Author(s)

T. Mitchell

Abstract

Recent integration of bathymetric underwater surveying technology with mobile laser scanning from the same vessel platform allows engineers, operators and maintenance personnel in several disciplines the opportunity to inspect water retention features (such as dams and levees) in a virtual desktop environment. The nature of the data collected along the watercourse characterizes the river both above and below the waterline at any location. Additionally, it allows consideration of the impact of objects affecting river flow during hydraulic modelling as well as evaluation of changes in the river caused by sediment dynamics. The product is a comprehensive data set that extends from the riverbed, through the riparian zone and into the floodplain and captures features with an unprecedented degree of resolution and detail. Consequentially, virtual inspection and assessment of assets and features as well as improved detail and accuracy in hydraulic modelling become possible. The result is a major improvement in the ability of an individual to perform an evaluation of the watercourse. Keywords: surveying, bathymetry, LiDAR, laser scanning, virtual inspection hydrologic modelling. 1 Introduction Water retention infrastructure plays a vital role in protecting communities from the dangers of flood hazards and in many cases provides sources for hydroelectricity. Episodic events that jeopardize this infrastructure as well as virtual inspection of water retention infrastructure and hydraulic modelling and laser scanning technology for

Keywords

surveying, bathymetry, LiDAR, laser scanning, virtual inspection hydrologic modelling