BATHYMETRY FROM WORLDVIEW-3 SATELLITE DATA USING RADIOMETRIC BAND RATIO

Abstract

The use of optical satellite sensors allows to obtain bathymetry data on large area ina short time and in a cheap way. In addition, in particular places where it is difficult to carry out the survey by classic methods, the bathymetry from satellite data can be the only mode to obtain the depth of the backdrop. So, the aim of this research paper is to analyse the potential of the eight bands and the very high resolution of the commercial satellite WorldView-3 (WV-3) in order to obtain bathymetric data. Using WV-3 satellite data and the Stumpf method, the paper intends to investigate the possibility of obtaining bathymetric data in a specific area where the water is not particularly clear. To achieve this goal, in Geographic Information System (GIS) environment, several algorithms have been developed. The comparison between the results and the reference bathymetric data shows a huge potential of the WV-3 satellite data. The area of study concerns the port area of the city of Lisbon and a part of the river Rio Tejo, in Portugal.