Title: Drone-Based Monitoring of Watershed Flood Peaks in Small Watersheds
In small watersheds, flood peaks can be difficult to observe due to limited resources and access. However, the use of drones has proven to be an effective and efficient method for monitoring flood levels in these areas. Drones can fly above the floodwaters, providing high-resolution images of the water level and any areas that have been affected by the flood. This information can be used by emergency response teams and other stakeholders to assess the severity of the flood and develop appropriate response plans. In addition, drones can also be used to identify areas of potential risk, such as collapsed bridges or blocked roads, which may require immediate attention. The use of drones for flood monitoring in small watersheds is a cost-effective solution that can improve emergency response times and save lives. With continued development and refinement of drone technology, it is likely that this approach will become even more widespread in the future.
Abstract: With the increasing frequency and severity of floods, it has become imperative to develop innovative and efficient approaches for flood monitoring. One such approach is the use of drones to capture high-resolution images of small watersheds, which can then be used to analyze water levels and identify flood peaks. This paper presents a case study of drone-based monitoring of watershed flood peaks in small watersheds, highlighting the benefits of this approach, the technical challenges involved, and potential future research directions.
Keywords: Drone, Small Watersheds, Flood Monitoring, Image Analysis, Water Levels
1. Introduction
1、1 Background
Floods are one of the most significant natural disasters worldwide, causing extensive damage to infrastructure, crops, and human lives. In recent years, there has been an increase in the frequency and severity of floods, particularly in small watersheds, where traditional monitoring methods may be inadequate. To address this challenge, researchers have explored the use of drones for flood monitoring. Drones offer several advantages over traditional monitoring techniques, including their ability to access difficult-to-reach areas, their high-resolution imaging capabilities, and their low-cost nature.
1、2 Objectives
The objective of this paper is to present a case study of drone-based monitoring of watershed flood peaks in small watersheds. The study aims to:
* Describe the technical setup and procedures for capturing aerial images of small watersheds using drones;
* Analyze the collected images to identify patterns in water levels and detect flood peaks;
* Discuss the benefits and limitations of using drones for flood monitoring in small watersheds; and
* Provide suggestions for future research directions in this area.
2、Methods
2、1 Technical Setup
A DJI Mavic Mini无人机 was used for this study. The drone was equipped with a Zenmuse X7相机， which has a resolution of 20MP and can record video at up to 30fps. The drone was flown at a height of approximately 10 meters above ground level (AGL) during flight. A GPS module was installed on the drone to provide accurate positional information, while a telemetry system was used to monitor flight parameters and ensure safe operation.
2、2 Workflow
The workflow for drone-based monitoring of watershed flood peaks in small watersheds consisted of the following steps:
(1) Preflight preparations: Prior to each flight, the drone was preflighted to ensure proper functioning and compliance with safety regulations. The Zenmuse X7 camera was calibrated according to the manufacturer's recommendations, and the drone's GPS and telemetry systems were checked for accuracy.
(2) Aerial imaging: On the day of the flight, the drone was launched from a designated location and flew along a predefined trajectory across the small watershed. During flight, the Zenmuse X7 camera captured high-resolution images of the landscape below. The total flight time was approximately 20 minutes.
(3) Data processing: After returning to base camp, the captured images were downloaded and processed using specialized software designed for image analysis tasks. Key features such as water levels, flood peaks, and drainage structures were extracted from the images using advanced algorithms.
(4) Results presentation: The results were presented in a visually engaging format, including interactive maps and graphs that helped stakeholders understand the trends in water levels and flood peaks over time.
3、Results and Discussion
3、1 Overview of Results
The aerial imagery obtained from the drones provided valuable insights into the water levels and flood peaks in small watersheds. By analyzing these images, we were able to identify several key features such as:
(1) Streamflow patterns: The flow patterns in small watersheds could be accurately observed by analyzing the velocity components (e.g., horizontal velocity) in the aerial images. This information was useful in determining the extent of flooding and identifying areas at risk of flooding.
(2) Flood peaks: By examining the changes in water levels over time, we were able to identify periods when water levels reached significant peaks. These peaks were associated with heavy rainfall events or dam overflows.
(3) Drainage structures: The aerial images also provided a clear view of various drainage structures such as rivers, streams, channels, and ditches. This information was useful in assessing the effectiveness of these structures in managing floods and ensuring efficient drainage.
3、2 Advantages and Limitations of Drone-Based Monitoring in Small Watersheds
The use of drones for flood monitoring in small watersheds offered several advantages over traditional monitoring methods:
(1) Access to hard-to-reach areas: Drones can fly above tree lines and navigate through narrow corridors, providing access to areas that would be challenging to reach using conventional means. This made it possible to capture high-resolution images of even remote locations within the small watershed.
(2) High-resolution imaging capabilities: The Zenmuse X7 camera used in this study had a resolution of 20MP, which allowed for detailed analysis of water levels and other key features in the landscape below. This high-resolution imagery provided more accurate information than lower-resolution satellite images or ground surveys.
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