Author(s): Xin Yi Chong; Matteo Redana; Estrella Carrero-Carralero And Chris Gibbins
Linked Author(s): Xin Yi Chong, Matteo Redana
Keywords: Bathymetry recreational sonar spline interpolation GAMs riverbed
Abstract: Bathymetric maps of riverbeds are crucial for assessment of channel topography and modelling water flow, but acquisition of bathymetric data can be challenging, especially in large, turbid rivers. Recreational-grade sonar represents a potential low-cost resource for producing bathymetry maps. Here we use data collected with the Deeper Chirp+2 sonar to reconstruct the bathymetry of a ~100 km long section of a large tropical river and compare two interpolation methods: (i) the Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) method, and (ii) the soap film smoother, a spline-based method, optimized for interpolation within a complex boundary. We show that the Deeper Chirp+2 can be used to reconstruct the bathymetry of large areas, and that the soap film smoother yields a more accurate bathymetric interpolation of the channel bed than the IDW.
Year: 2025