Experimental Validation of the Remote Sensing Method for River Velocity Measurement Using an Open-Source PIV Scheme—Case Study: Antisana River in the Ecuadorian Andes

Abstract

This study presents the experimental validation of a remote sensing method for river flow velocity measurement, from which discharge is calculated, using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) combined with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The case study focuses on the Antisana River in the Ecuadorian Andes, a region with challenging geography where accurate flow measurement is crucial for hydroelectric projects. The validation results demonstrate that the velocity measurements obtained through PIV closely align with those from standardized traditional methods. Furthermore, integrating technologies such as LiDAR for cross-sectional measurements, along with UAVs, would enable the accurate estimation of discharge in difficult-to-access areas. This approach has the potential to significantly enhance hydrological studies and water resource management in remote regions, especially for hydroelectric projects in the Ecuadorian Andes.