Author(s): Jose-Luis Molina; Pablo Rodriguez-Gonzalvez; M-Carmen Molina; Diego Gonzalez-Aguilera; Luis Balairon; Fernando Espejo; Jose Maria Montejo
Linked Author(s): Luis Balairón Pérez, José-Luis Molina, Fernando Espejo Almodovar
Keywords: River Morphodynamics; Modelling; Geomatics; Uncertainty; Suitability
Abstract: The modelling of river morphodynamics requires a multidisciplinary approach due to its wide range of dimensions and applications such as extreme events and flood analysis, erosion and soil loss estimation, river hydraulics, sediment transport modelling, reservoir sedimentation, among others. In order to minimize the initial uncertainty, all these studies require an accurate and reliable field measures for the subsequent analysis. Acquisition of spatial data is a key factor as it is the base for further calculations and analysis. However, the use of the most suitable geospatial technique for each case study becomes essential due to the numerous types of studies. This study comprises a comparative analysis of geomatic methods for river morphodynamics modelling through three types of applications: soil loss and erosion estimation models, sediment transport modelling and reservoir sedimentation. This analysis is driven by six decision variables grouped in two general groups, depending on their nature as geometric or radiometric. Geometric variables are Spatial Resolution, Terrain Elevation Resolution, Bathymetry measurement capacity, and Infrastructure Elevation Resolution (for hydraulic infrastructures). On the other hand, radiometric variables included are Vegetation Resolution, Land Uses Resolution and Dynamic Behavior. After making a review of the most used and latest geomatic methods for the aforementioned applications, the selected methods for soil loss and erosion estimation models are Terrestrial Laser Scanner (TLS), Close-range Photogrammetry, Airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and Aerial Photogrammetry. Then, for sediment transport modelling the Bathymetric LiDAR and Aerial Photogrammetry are considered; finally, for reservoir sedimentation, methods included in the analysis are Bathymetric LiDAR, and the combination between Sonar Bathymetry and Surveying. Each method is scored depending on the level of suitability for each decision variable. Final suitability score is defined as an average result from each partial suitability score assigned to decision variables. This study aims to provide the reader with a tool for evaluating the suitability of different geomatic methods when it comes to modelling river morphodynamics.
Year: 2013