Laser-based water depth measurement system deployed via unmanned aerial vehicle

Kai Shen; Hui Lu; Sarfaraz Ali Baig; Guomin Jiang; John W. McManus; Michael R. Wang

doi:10.1117/1.JRS.11.032409

24 June 2017 Laser-based water depth measurement system deployed via unmanned aerial vehicle

Kai Shen, Hui Lu, Sarfaraz Ali Baig, Guomin Jiang, John W. McManus, Michael R. Wang

Author Affiliations +

Journal of Applied Remote Sensing, Vol. 11, Issue 3, 032409 (June 2017). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.JRS.11.032409

Abstract

We introduced a laser-based noncontact shallow water depth measurement technique from a flying unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The water depth is measured by imaging two laser beam spots scattered from the surface and bottom of the water. The effect of water surface waves and UAV tilt angles to the depth measurement has been studied for practical applications. We have further developed this laser-based detection system consisting of a green laser, a global positioning system, a camera with a narrow field of view lens, a laser range finder, and a single-board computer. The measurement system onboard of a UAV flying over a small lake has demonstrated satisfactory water depth measurement capability. The low-cost light weight UAV-based water depth measurement should benefit water depth monitoring, mapping, and reporting in a hazardous environment offering flexibility, mobility, and remote control safe operation.

Citation Download Citation

Kai Shen, Hui Lu, Sarfaraz Ali Baig, Guomin Jiang, John W. McManus, and Michael R. Wang "Laser-based water depth measurement system deployed via unmanned aerial vehicle," Journal of Applied Remote Sensing 11(3), 032409 (24 June 2017). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.JRS.11.032409

Received: 17 January 2017; Accepted: 1 June 2017; Published: 24 June 2017

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