Maximum bathymetric depth estimation for airborne LiDAR without <i>in-situ</i> sampling

Yang Wenze; Yang Anxiu; Gao Xingguo; Wang Chunxiao; Wang Zhenhui; Yang Fanlin; Su Dianpeng

doi:10.12284/hyxb2025099

Volume 47 Issue 10

Oct. 2025

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Yang Wenze，Yang Anxiu，Gao Xingguo, et al. Maximum bathymetric depth estimation for airborne LiDAR without in-situ sampling[J]. Haiyang Xuebao，2025, 47(10)：137–145 doi: 10.12284/hyxb2025099

Citation:

Yang Wenze，Yang Anxiu，Gao Xingguo, et al. Maximum bathymetric depth estimation for airborne LiDAR without in-situ sampling[J]. Haiyang Xuebao，2025, 47(10)：137–145 doi: 10.12284/hyxb2025099

Yang Wenze，Yang Anxiu，Gao Xingguo, et al. Maximum bathymetric depth estimation for airborne LiDAR without in-situ sampling[J]. Haiyang Xuebao，2025, 47(10)：137–145 doi: 10.12284/hyxb2025099

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Maximum bathymetric depth estimation for airborne LiDAR without in-situ sampling

doi: 10.12284/hyxb2025099

1.
College of Geodesy and Geomatics, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266590, China
2.
Key Laboratory of Submarine Geosciences, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China
3.
Shandong Electric Power Engineering Consulting Institute Corp., Ltd., Jinan 250000, China
4.
Hainan Geomatics Center of Ministry of Natural Resources, Haikou 570203, China
5.
The 7S1 Topographic Survey Brigade of Ministry of Natural Resources, Haikou 570203, China

Received Date: 2025-08-18
Rev Recd Date: 2025-10-27

Available Online: 2025-11-06

Publish Date: 2025-10-31

Abstract

Abstract

Terrain measurement data in shallow water areas provide essential support for marine resource development and water resource investigation and management, making them a focal point in marine surveying and related fields. Airborne LiDAR Bathymetry (ALB) is a high-precision, high-efficiency, and highly mobile measurement technology particularly suited for topographic surveys in shallow water regions. To address the inefficiencies and high costs associated with traditional on-site sampling methods ( Secchi disk transparency measurements) for estimating maximum bathymetric depth using airborne LiDAR, this study proposes a novel method for maximum depth estimation without on-site sampling, integrating satellite remote sensing water color data products with waveform modeling. By retrieving the diffuse attenuation coefficient at 532 nm through inversion of NASA Ocean Color’s K_d(490) product and combining it with a physical model of LiDAR bathymetric echo signals, the method constructs a superimposed waveform model incorporating contributions from the water surface, water column, seabed, and noise. A peak detection algorithm is then employed to automate maximum depth determination. Experimental results from Jiaozhou Bay in Qingdao City, Shandong Province, and Tuosu Lake in Delingha City, Qinghai Province, demonstrate that the proposed method achieves maximum depth estimation with deviations not exceeding 0.4 m and relative errors within 5%, validating its effectiveness. By replacing on-site transparency measurements with satellite remote sensing water color data products, the proposed method eliminates the need for field sampling, significantly reducing the operational costs of airborne LiDAR bathymetry while providing efficient technical support for shallow water mapping and water resource investigations.
- Airborne LiDAR Bathymetry,
- waveform modeling,
- diffuse attenuation coefficient,
- maximum depth estimation

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References(24)

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