The Role of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Characterizing Stream Flow Dynamics
Gregory Zuknick, CERP
EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC
Hunt Valley, MD
Authors: Zuknick, G., Durbano, M., Flores, L., O’Hara, C., Powell, M.
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) have had an increasing role in monitoring environmental conditions. A pilot study was conducted to characterize stream dynamics using large-scale particle image velocimetry (LSPIV) on a video recording from a UAV. The open-source python library pyOpenRiverCam was used to perform the analysis and to post-process the results. Utilizing high-resolution aerial video, surveyed ground control points, and open-sourced python libraries we were able to test and evaluate a methodology for capturing and quantifying data on water flow patterns, velocity, and discharge volume. Stream flow velocity estimates obtained from the LSPIV analysis were compared to those obtained from a flowmeter and USGS float method. Preliminary results suggest that the LSPIV approach provides estimates of stream flow velocity that are comparable to traditional methods.
This study demonstrates several benefits compared to traditional hydrologic measuring techniques. For example, the UAV's capability to record stream flow without having to enter the stream is safer and likely more cost-effective. Our findings demonstrate the effectiveness of UAVs in detecting changes in flow direction, velocity, and discharge. This innovative approach has significant implications for environmental monitoring by providing a tool to understand surface flow patterns and velocities and to measure stream flow at measured cross sections. Additional testing is currently being performed and evaluated on additional streams with either an established stream gauge to test stream flow measures or a stream restoration project to map flow direction by various in-stream structures.
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