Water Depth Retrieval by Airborne LiDAR and Aerial Image Remote Sensing: A Case Study of North Island and Gancheondo

In the context of China's “Marine Power” strategy and the rapid development of its marine economy, the dynamic and complex nature of island and coastal zones, shaped by both natural and anthropogenic factors, presents a significant demand for geospatial information. This paper introduces an innovative underwater terrain inversion technology that integrates LiDAR and aerial imaging for precise water depth measurement. It employs monochromatic laser airborne LiDAR for acquiring depth point cloud data, which is then refined using a Gaussian kernel function. The process also involves the integration of aerial imagery to accurately determine water surface positions and subsequently, water depth information. This methodology facilitates the construction of a detailed water depth inversion model, enabling the creation of high-precision, three-dimensional submarine topographic maps for areas such as North Island and Gancheondo. The study proves the practicability and accuracy of this comprehensive scanning method in generating detailed 3D submarine topography model.