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Aerial tracer particle distribution system for surface image velocimetry
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  • H. J. Biggs,
  • B. Smith,
  • M. Detert,
  • H. Sutton
H. J. Biggs
National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research Christchurch Office

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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B. Smith
National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research Christchurch Office
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M. Detert
Meisser Surveying AG Chur Switzerland
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H. Sutton
National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research Christchurch Office
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Abstract

A novel aerial tracer particle distribution system has been developed. This system is mounted on an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and flown upstream from where surface velocimetry measurements are conducted. This enables surface velocimetry techniques to be applied in rivers and channels lacking sufficient natural tracer particles or surface features. Lack of tracers is a common problem during low flows, in lowland rivers, or in artificial channels. This is particularly problematic for analysis conducted using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) techniques where dense tracer particles are required. Techniques for colouring tracer particles with biodegradable dye have also been developed, along with methods for extracting them from Red Green Blue (RGB) imagery in the Hue Saturation Value (HSV) colour space. The use of coloured tracer particles enables flow measurements in situations where sunglint, surface waves, moving shadows, or dappled lighting on riverbeds can interfere with and corrupt results using surface velocimetry techniques. These developments further expand the situations where surface velocimetry can be applied, as well as improving the accuracy of the results.
02 Nov 2021Submitted to River Research and Applications
02 Nov 2021Submission Checks Completed
02 Nov 2021Assigned to Editor
04 Nov 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
08 Nov 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
22 Dec 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Major
07 Mar 20221st Revision Received
09 Mar 2022Submission Checks Completed
09 Mar 2022Assigned to Editor
09 Mar 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
12 Mar 2022Reviewer(s) Assigned
26 Mar 2022Editorial Decision: Accept