Correcting Refraction towards Accurate Aerial Image-based Bathymetry Mapping at Shallow Waters


The determination of accurate bathymetric information is a key element for near offshore activities; hydrological studies, such as coastal engineering applications, sedimentary processes, hydrographic surveying, archaeological mapping and biological research. Through structure from motion (SfM) and multi-view-stereo (MVS) techniques, aerial imagery can provide a low-cost alternative compared to bathymetric LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) surveys, as it offers additional important visual information and higher spatial resolution. Nevertheless, water refraction poses significant challenges on depth determination.

In order to overcome the water refraction errors in a massive and accurate way, we employ machine learning tools, which are able to learn the systematic underestimation of the estimated depths. Our solutions eliminate the refraction error and deliver accurate bathymetric information in very high accuracy.

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