Planning and Post Processing of Bathymetric Survey Using Autonomous USV and Merged with Lidar Mapping

Bathymetric surveys are used to measure the depths of the lake and can be used for a variety of purposes, from mapping the river and lake floors to finding shipwrecks. In the past, bathymetric surveys have been conducted by manual boats and submersible vehicles, but the use of autonomous USVs (unmanned surface vehicles) has become increasingly popular due to their ability to be automated and integrated with other sensor systems. In addition, merging the data from USV surveys with lidar mapping can provide a more detailed picture of the lake floor. In this article, we will discuss the planning and post-processing of a bathymetric survey using an autonomous USV and lidar mapping.

The first step in the planning process is to identify the area that needs to be surveyed. This can be done using a variety of methods, such as using Google Earth, satellite imagery, or airborne LiDAR. Once the area is identified, a survey plan must be created that outlines the methods and equipment that will be used, as well as the exact survey area boundaries.

Once the survey plan is established, the USV needs to be programmed and equipped with the necessary sensors and mapping equipment. This includes a combination of acoustic, optical, and LiDAR sensors. The USV is then launched and navigated to the survey area. During the survey, the USV will collect bathymetric data and lidar mapping data, which will be stored in the onboard computer.

Once the survey is complete, the data needs to be post-processed. This includes merging the bathymetric data with the lidar mapping data to create a more detailed and accurate image of the lake floor. The post-processing also includes cleaning up the data, filtering out noise and artifacts, and creating an output format such as a GeoTIFF or KML file.

Bathymetric surveys using autonomous USVs and merged with lidar mapping can provide a more detailed picture of the lake floor. By planning the survey and post-processing the data, it can be used to create more accurate maps of the lake floor and aid in search and rescue operations, among a variety of other applications.