Priori knowledge based a bathymetry assessment method using the sun glitter imagery: a case study of sand waves on the Taiwan Banks

Abstract

High resolution optical satellite imageries containing the sun glitter, similar to synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imageries, are useful in identifying and mapping of bottom topography in shallow waters. The errors in the previous studies are corrected, and a method for mapping submarine bottom topography is developed using the sun glitter satellite imagery. The method is established on the basis of empirical description of a sand wave using an equation with two unknowns named r and k. In order to determine r and k, a “trial and error” approach is introduced and testified by a case study on the Taiwan Banks using an ASTER imagery. The results show that the inversed water depths match well with the sounding water depths. The agreement between the inversed results and the in situ measurements is about 78% by comparing 371 points. Moreover, this method has the advantage in keeping the original appearance of a sand wave, especially in positions around the sand wave crest. The fine agreement indicates that the imaging model is flexible and the approach developed is feasible.