Filling in the white ribbon – Airborne lidar bathymetry and RGB imaging in combination with ROV video imaging and seabed sampling for seabed nature mapping in the coastal zone (Danish waters)

The shallow water nearshore area is often referred to as the white ribbon due to a low density or even a lack of data in this transition zone between land and sea. Historically, it was challenging to generate detailed 3D maps in this transition zone with the available technologies. However, emerging technologies during the last decade such as airborne lidar bathymetry (ALB) has enabled full-coverage, high-resolution seabed mapping in such environments (e.g. Andersen et al., 2017).

Seabed mapping in the shallow water coastal zone is paramount in relation to a wide spectrum of societal challenges, e.g. climate change adaptation with coastal protection in relation to storm surges and sea level rise, green energy transition with connection of offshore windfarms to land, nature restoration and protection for preserving or enhancing nature and biodiversity, and safety of critical infrastructure in nearshore areas.

We present examples of and experiences from national seabed mapping projects combining airborne lidar bathymetry and RGB imaging with ROV video imaging and seabed sampling for mapping seabed morphology, substrates and habitats in shallow water nearshore areas in Danish waters.

We demonstrate the potential of applying a combination of platforms (airborne, vessel borne and underwater) and instruments (optical and acoustical) in a multiscale remote sensing approach to acquire composite datasets tailored for seabed nature mapping in shallow water nearshore areas – filling in the white ribbon.

 

References

Andersen MS, Gergely A, Al-Hamdani Z, Steinbacher F, Larsen LR, Ernstsen VB (2017). Processing and performance of topobathymetric lidar data for geomorphometric and morphological classification in a high-energy tidal environment. Hydrology and Earth System Sciences, 21: 43-63, DOI: 10.5194/hess-21-43-2017.