Methodology for Bathymetric Mapping Using Open-Source Software

Abstract

The modern technologies not only provide an opportunity to collect water depth data much more efficiently than in the past, but also there is a wide range of opportunities to process these data to develop bathymetric maps and perform various calculations in the computer environment. This research aims to construct a high-resolution bathymetric map by using open-source software. Lake Zebrus was selected as the study site, where fieldwork was performed to obtain the depth data and subsequently process to find optimal methodology for creating a bathymetric map. The methodology used in this research is modifiable for different purposes and is based on obtaining the best results from using open-source resources and knowledge of cartography. Lake Zebrus is an example how to perform accurate and state of the art bathymetric survey in a short time period. The area of Lake Zebrus is 417.57 ha. The lake has a small crooked coastline. Lake Zebrus has a maximum depth of 4.45 m and an average depth of 1.48 m. Results from the bathymetric survey can be used for further research based on depth data. The research tasks are accomplished as the methodology selected is repeatable in the other lakes. The research results prove that this methodology can be used for a bathymetric survey and it is possible to obtain high-definition results using open-source resources.