Retrieval of nearshore bathymetry from Sentinel-2A and 2B satellites in South Florida coastal waters
Year: 2019
Type: article
Abstract: This study examines the relatively high-resolution MultiSpectral Instrument (MSI) onboard Sentinel-2A and 2B for generating bathymetric maps through a ratio transform model in South Florida (United States). Atmospheric correction of imagery is implemented though ACOLITE software, providing accurate performance and consistency over different Sentinel-2A/B scenes and three different study sites. Vertical calibration uses 5–10 points collected from digital charts, independent of lidar surveys, which are used for validation and error analysis. Satellite-Derived Bathymetry (SDB) has Median Absolute Error (MedAE) of 0.5 m in West Palm Beach (at depths ranging between 0 and 18 m, limit of lidar survey for validation), 0.4 m in Key West (0–5 m), and 0.22 m in Dry Tortugas (0–6 m), in conditions with low turbidity. Accurate bathymetry mapping can be accomplished with both sensors over environments with varying water transparency conditions, with the advantage of a fast, flexible, and economical solution. The 10-m MSI can capture small-scale features, such as tidal channels, straits relevant to navigation or steep slopes. While the least error is achieved by calibrating each image separately, a generic calibration produces only a moderately greater error with MedAE still ∼1m, indicating the robustness of the approach. The research highlights the great potential of the 5-day revisit, suggesting that the twin Sentinel-2 mission of the Copernicus programme may enhance SDB to leverage its use for several operational purposes, particularly in remote and inaccessible regions of the world.
Authors: Isabel Caballero, Richard P. Stumpf
Language: English
Topic: Coastal and Marine Dynamics
Subfield: Earth-Surface Processes
Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Life below water
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,250
OpenAlex ID: W2954700524