Optimal interpolation method to predict the bathymetry of Saldanha Bay

Accurate interpolation when compiling bathymetric maps is essential in any water depth study. In the case of Saldanha Bay, continuous dredging operations are constantly altering ocean floor, which has a detrimental effect on sedimentation and coastal hydrodynamics. If integrity coastline to be secured, accurate bathymetry predictions would invaluable determining erosion. Inverse distance weighting (IDW) ordinary kriging (OK) two well-known commonly used methods produce surfaces through spatial autocorrelation for numerous applications, inter alia, estimate bathymetry. This study aims analyse compare efficiency IDW OK predict Bay. Three comparative tests, vary according decrease quantity sounding points, conducted. SPSS statistical software was assess performance methods. Firstly, 2D scatterplots were show correlation between predicted measured values each method. Secondly, analysis variance employed investigate whether difference statistically significant, determine method best suited Findings revealed strong linear relationship both 100% points used. Conversely, medium small quantities weak exists. Clear similarities exist way that generate surface However, consistently performed better than across all tests. The findings this will assist selecting most suitable future surveys