Investigation into Laboratory Bathymetric Measurement Techniques

Abstract

There is no universally accepted way to accurately and efficiently measure bathymetry in laboratory hydraulic models. Remote sensing techniques can measure bathymetry without making contact with the model, and some remote sensing techniques can measure the bathymetry in laboratory models without draining the water. The four categories of remote sensing technology investigated in this report are echo sounding technology, laser technology, image processing technology, and radar technology. The technology of each category has strengths and limitations, but can be used in the laboratory to measure bathymetry. Echo sounding technology works well in environments with suspended sediment, but the accuracy is reduced by large beam footprints. Laser technology does not perform as well with suspended sediment but can provide high-accuracy bathymetric measurements. Stereophotography, discussed in the image processing technology section, requires optically clear water and can provide very accurate bathymetric mapping. Radar technology can be very helpful when sub-bottom stratigraphy is important. Technology from each of the categories has been scaled for field application to measure bathymetry and submerged coastal structures.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 2020
Accession Number
AD1095041

Entities

People

  • Brian C McFall
  • Guido Wolters

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Sensors

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Cameras
  • Coastal Engineering
  • Detection
  • Detectors
  • Earth Sciences
  • Ecology
  • Engineering
  • Geography
  • Geology
  • Image Processing
  • Lasers
  • Measurement
  • Remote Sensing
  • Sonar
  • Suspended Sediments
  • Three Dimensional

Readers

  • Acoustical Oceanography.
  • Radar Systems Engineering.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy