Desktop Study

A comprehensive Desktop Study (DTS) builds on the initial route engineering by providing route descriptions and details about landing sites, geopolitical and cultural issues, security concerns, geology, meteorology, oceanography, hazards, fisheries and permit requirements. SubCom’s Desktop Study team uses this information to refine the initial cable engineering recommendations to produce an updated Straight Line Diagram (SLD), a drawing which shows cable armoring and burial throughout the route. The DTS also defines a Route Position List (RPL) to be used for the cable route survey and for making specific recommendations for survey activities. In most cases, landing site visits are conducted by the DTS team to evaluate the landing and meet with local officials to determine the viability of a specific site. These meetings also assist early applications for permits and easements that may be required for the project.