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Articles

Number 12 (2014)

Feasibility of Laser Bathymetry for Hydrographic Surveys on the Baltic Sea

Submitted
May 6, 2015
Published
2014-11-30

Abstract

Airborne laser bathymetry (ALB) is considered to be a new technology for hydrographic purposes in shallow waters. However, previous tests have shown greater problems especially regarding point density and the detection of obstructions. Before introducing this technology as a regular means of surveying, it is necessary to identify its possibilities and limitations, especially in the shallow waters of the Baltic Sea. New tests have been carried out in several of the Baltic Sea’s coastal states. The first results demonstrate that the accuracy of the surveys is not a major issue for using ALB in modelling the sea floor. However, point density remains a limit in deeper waters, where small obstructions cannot to be detected.