Using UAV Photogrammetry and Automated Sensors to Assess Aquifer Recharge from a Coastal Wetland

Novel data-acquisition technologies have revolutionized the study of natural systems, allowing massive collection information in situ and remotely. Merging these improves understanding complex hydrological interactions, such as those wetland–aquifer facilitates their conservation management. This paper presents combination UAV technology with water level dataloggers for a coastal temporary wetland linked to an underlying sandy aquifer influenced by tidal regime. Wetland morphology was defined using imagery SfM algorithms during dry period. The DTM (6.9 cm resolution) used generate flood model, which subsequently validated orthophoto from wet combined stage records at 10-min intervals network infer balance transfers aquifer. Inflows into pond were around 6200 m3 (40% direct precipitation over pond, 60% surface runoff). Outputs equalled inputs (41% evaporation surface, 59% aquifer). proposed methodology has demonstrated its suitability unravel interactions provide reliable estimations elements balance.