Published in Scientific Papers. Series E. Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Vol. VII
Written by Gabriel POPESCU, Daniela IORDAN
The paper presents an overall view of LiDAR and Sonar systems used in geomatics applications for hydrology, this branch of science concerning with the properties of the earth's water, and especially its movement in relation to land. LiDAR sensor provides an efficient, rapid, and low cost tool for hydrological application, especially for coastal and river water management. For example, in Romania the hydrographic organizations need accurate bathymetric maps for near coastline area of the Black Sea, for the Danube River and the inner riversides. Nowadays, airborne LiDAR bathymetry is an accurate, capable, and highly cost-effective alternative to traditional waterborne Sonar in areas with appropriate depth and water clarity Water hydrology modelling and watershed management is based on constant monitoring of the water volume over a long time for modelling water dynamic behavior. Flood prediction and flood extend modelling is one of the most important issues in the watershed management and usually the primary interest would be coastal area and rivers hydrodynamic modelling especially in the event of the flood. Using echo sounders would be dangerous, not accurate enough in shallow waters, time consuming, and do not give a continuous water depth. Alternatively, using bathymetric LiDAR system provide accurate, continuous, fast depth information from a large region, without a contact directly with the water body and this ability resolves many of the industrial and military needs for accurate and precise geospatial information from water body in shallow area in a very rapid manner.
[Read full article] [Citation]
