Satellite computed bathymetry assessment – Developing satellite LiDAR methods to enhance coastal bathymetry coverage

Abstract

The Satellite Computed Bathymetry Assessment (SCuBA) project implements a new photon classification approach to prepare lidar returns from the ICESat-2 satellite mission as a source of bathymetric data in suitable shallow ocean environments. SCuBA data enhances and compliments other space-borne bathymetry estimation methods for hydrographic applications and improves depth uncertainty where applicable. Incorporating SCuBA data into hydrographic projects expands and enhances data collection capabilities that can inform other empirical satellite bathymetry models and help improve navigational safety products in areas where ship-based sonar and aircraft-borne lidar surveys are not feasible.