UAV image analysis of particle size distribution in rivers

With the rapid development of UAV technology, the challenge of selecting appropriate sampling areas and flight altitudes to ensure that collected data is both representative and accurate has gained increasing attention in the field of sedimentology. This study specifically investigates UAV-based sampling methods for riverbed grain size analysis, focusing on the critical task of determining optimal flight altitudes and sampling areas that can accurately capture the distribution of riverbed sediments.

By comparing systematic sampling with other traditional methods, this research aims to validate the precision and reliability of data collected through UAV imaging. The results show that under carefully selected conditions, such as a 5m×5m area with a flight altitude of 20 meters, it is possible to balance the need for detailed resolution with the goal of reducing errors caused by abnormal grain size distributions. This study further contributes to the optimization of UAV sampling methods, providing guidelines for practitioners seeking to enhance the accuracy and representativeness of their sediment research.

The findings of this research not only offer practical recommendations for UAV-based sediment analysis but also introduce strategies to improve sampling methodologies in river systems. These strategies aim to reduce biases and improve the reliability of UAV-generated data in riverbed sediment studies, ultimately contributing to more robust environmental monitoring and management practices.