A Multi-Spatial, Multi-Temporal, Semi-Analytical Model for Bathymetry, Water Turbidity and Bottom Composition using Multispectral Imagery

Abstract

In this paper we introduce a semi-analytical model for bathymetry, water turbidity and bottom composition; which is primarily based on the physics-based model, HOPE, of Lee et al. Unlike the model of Lee, which was originally designed to use hyperspectral imagery, our model is specifically designed to use multispectral satellite imagery. In particular, we adapt to the greatly decreased spectral resolution by introducing temporal and spatial assumptions on the depth and water turbidity. We validate the extensions to the Lee et al model with a 260 km2 case study in the area of the Murion Islands off Western Australia, where we compare the atmospherically-corrected LANDSAT-8 derived bathymetry against a 2011 single-beam sonar survey by Transport Western Australia. The model validates well against the single-beam sonar survey, with R^2 = 0.85, a mean absolute error of 1.17 m and a mean relative error of 7.52%. This indicates the model could be widely applicable to LANDSAT-8 imagery.

Tasks

Reproductions