The optical river bathymetry toolkit

Spatially distributed information on water depth is essential for many applications in river research and management and, under certain circumstances, can be inferred from remotely sensed data. Although fluvial remote sensing has emerged as a rapidly developing subdiscipline of the riverine sciences, more widespread adoption these techniques been hindered by lack accessible software. The Optical River Bathymetry Toolkit (ORByT) fills this void providing standalone package mapping passive optical image ORByT interface enables end users to import images field-based measurements, create refine masks, perform spectrally based retrieval via an Optimal Band Ratio Analysis algorithm. resulting bathymetric map exported file, point cloud, and/or cross section; thorough accuracy assessment also incorporated into workflow. In addition, image-derived estimates subtracted surface elevations obtain bed suitable input hydrodynamic model. Potential must bear mind inherent limitations sensing: reliable bathymetry only clear-flowing, shallow streams; approach not appropriate turbid, deeper rivers.