scholarly journals Haziness Degree Evaluator: A Knowledge-Driven Approach for Haze Density Estimation

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (11) ◽  
pp. 3896
Author(s):  
Dat Ngo ◽  
Gi-Dong Lee ◽  
Bongsoon Kang

Haze is a term that is widely used in image processing to refer to natural and human-activity-emitted aerosols. It causes light scattering and absorption, which reduce the visibility of captured images. This reduction hinders the proper operation of many photographic and computer-vision applications, such as object recognition/localization. Accordingly, haze removal, which is also known as image dehazing or defogging, is an apposite solution. However, existing dehazing algorithms unconditionally remove haze, even when haze occurs occasionally. Therefore, an approach for haze density estimation is highly demanded. This paper then proposes a model that is known as the haziness degree evaluator to predict haze density from a single image without reference to a corresponding haze-free image, an existing georeferenced digital terrain model, or training on a significant amount of data. The proposed model quantifies haze density by optimizing an objective function comprising three haze-relevant features that result from correlation and computation analysis. This objective function is formulated to maximize the image’s saturation, brightness, and sharpness while minimizing the dark channel. Additionally, this study describes three applications of the proposed model in hazy/haze-free image classification, dehazing performance assessment, and single image dehazing. Extensive experiments on both real and synthetic datasets demonstrate its efficacy in these applications.

2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (2) ◽  
pp. 175-190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mihaela Triglav Čekada ◽  
Patricija Barbo ◽  
Miha Pavšek ◽  
Matija Zorn

The Skuta Glacier in the Kamnik–Savinja Alps (in northern Slovenia) is one of the two remaining glaciers in Slovenia. It is located in a cirque oriented toward the northwest, which shields it from sunlight for most of the year. The glacier lies at an average elevation of 2070m. In recent years, its average area has measured around 1.5 hectares. Monitoring of the glacier has been performed since 1946. In 1962, regular photographing of the glacier with various cameras started from various non-fixed standpoints. Using the single image interactive orientation acquisition method, in which a single photograph is compared with the projection of a modern digital terrain model, seventeen photographs covering the period from 1970 to 2015 were used to acquire the 3D-perimeters of the glacier. The data shows that the elevation of glacier’s upper edge decreased by approximately 40m in the last half-century. Changes in the glacier’s area and average upper edge elevation were compared with average annual temperature and maximum seasonal snow cover depth.


1994 ◽  
Vol 29 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 163-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Zech ◽  
X. Sillen ◽  
C. Debources ◽  
A. Van Hauwaert

This paper presents an original integrated approach to rainfall-runoff modelling for partly urbanized watersheds. A digital terrain model (DTM), allowing use of GIS techniques, was built not only for representing the undeveloped part of the catchment but also the urbanized area. For each cell of the DTM grid, a water budget is computed, providing runoff and interflow amounts. The water volumes generated at each cell are moved along the steepest slopes with a celerity depending on this slope, until they reach the outlet and contribute to the resulting hydrograph. The model was tested in a partly urbanized catchment, specially equipped with rain and flow measurement station. Comparisons with other procedures, mainly with SWMM and WALLRUS models, shows that the proposed model seems to be one of the most accurate. Moreover, the sensitivity analysis confirms the flexibility of the tool. Its concept, based on GIS routines, allows much of the computation to be done automatically, avoiding a lot of tedious tasks. For example, it becomes relatively easy to check the consequences of urban planning options.


Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 265
Author(s):  
Mihnea Cățeanu ◽  
Arcadie Ciubotaru

Laser scanning via LiDAR is a powerful technique for collecting data necessary for Digital Terrain Model (DTM) generation, even in densely forested areas. LiDAR observations located at the ground level can be separated from the initial point cloud and used as input for the generation of a Digital Terrain Model (DTM) via interpolation. This paper proposes a quantitative analysis of the accuracy of DTMs (and derived slope maps) obtained from LiDAR data and is focused on conditions common to most forestry activities (rough, steep terrain with forest cover). Three interpolation algorithms were tested: Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW), Natural Neighbour (NN) and Thin-Plate Spline (TPS). Research was mainly focused on the issue of point data density. To analyze its impact on the quality of ground surface modelling, the density of the filtered data set was artificially lowered (from 0.89 to 0.09 points/m2) by randomly removing point observations in 10% increments. This provides a comprehensive method of evaluating the impact of LiDAR ground point density on DTM accuracy. While the reduction of point density leads to a less accurate DTM in all cases (as expected), the exact pattern varies by algorithm. The accuracy of the LiDAR-derived DTMs is relatively good even when LiDAR sampling density is reduced to 0.40–0.50 points/m2 (50–60 % of the initial point density), as long as a suitable interpolation algorithm is used (as IDW proved to be less resilient to density reductions below approximately 0.60 points/m2). In the case of slope estimation, the pattern is relatively similar, except the difference in accuracy between IDW and the other two algorithms is even more pronounced than in the case of DTM accuracy. Based on this research, we conclude that LiDAR is an adequate method for collecting morphological data necessary for modelling the ground surface, even when the sampling density is significantly reduced.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 1185-1199
Author(s):  
Mirosław Kamiński

AbstractThe research area is located on the boundary between two Paleozoic structural units: the Radom–Kraśnik Block and the Mazovian–Lublin Basin in the southeastern Poland. The tectonic structures are separated by the Ursynów–Kazimierz Dolny fault zone. The digital terrain model obtained by the ALS (Airborne Laser Scanning) method was used. Classification and filtration of an elevation point cloud were performed. Then, from the elevation points representing only surfaces, a digital terrain model was generated. The model was used to visually interpret the course of topolineaments and their automatic extraction from DTM. Two topolineament systems, trending NE–SW and NW–SE, were interpreted. Using the kernel density algorithm, topolineament density models were generated. Using the Empirical Bayesian Kriging, a thickness model of quaternary deposits was generated. A relationship was observed between the course of topolineaments and the distribution and thickness of Quaternary formations. The topolineaments were compared with fault directions marked on tectonic maps of the Paleozoic and Mesozoic. Data validation showed consistency between topolineaments and tectonic faults. The obtained results are encouraging for further research.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 91
Author(s):  
Triantafyllia-Maria Perivolioti ◽  
Antonios Mouratidis ◽  
Dimitrios Terzopoulos ◽  
Panagiotis Kalaitzis ◽  
Dimitrios Ampatzidis ◽  
...  

Covering an area of approximately 97 km2 and with a maximum depth of 58 m, Lake Trichonis is the largest and one of the deepest natural lakes in Greece. As such, it constitutes an important ecosystem and freshwater reserve at the regional scale, whose qualitative and quantitative properties ought to be monitored. Depth is a crucial parameter, as it is involved in both qualitative and quantitative monitoring aspects. Thus, the availability of a bathymetric model and a reliable DTM (Digital Terrain Model) of such an inland water body is imperative for almost any systematic observation scenario or ad hoc measurement endeavor. In this context, the purpose of this study is to produce a DTM from the only official cartographic source of relevant information available (dating back approximately 70 years) and evaluate its performance against new, independent, high-accuracy hydroacoustic recordings. The validation procedure involves the use of echosoundings coupled with GPS, and is followed by the production of a bathymetric model for the assessment of the discrepancies between the DTM and the measurements, along with the relevant morphometric analysis. Both the production and validation of the DTM are conducted in a GIS environment. The results indicate substantial discrepancies between the old DTM and contemporary acoustic data. A significant overall deviation of 3.39 ± 5.26 m in absolute bottom elevation differences and 0.00 ± 7.26 m in relative difference residuals (0.00 ± 2.11 m after 2nd polynomial model corrector surface fit) of the 2019 bathymetric dataset with respect to the ~1950 lake DTM and overall morphometry appear to be associated with a combination of tectonics, subsidence and karstic phenomena in the area. These observations could prove useful for the tectonics, geodynamics and seismicity with respect to the broader Corinth Rift region, as well as for environmental management and technical interventions in and around the lake. This dictates the necessity for new, extensive bathymetric measurements in order to produce an updated DTM of Lake Trichonis, reflecting current conditions and tailored to contemporary accuracy standards and state-of-the-art research in various disciplines in and around the lake.


Drones ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 20
Author(s):  
Joseph P. Hupy ◽  
Cyril O. Wilson

Soil erosion monitoring is a pivotal exercise at macro through micro landscape levels, which directly informs environmental management at diverse spatial and temporal scales. The monitoring of soil erosion can be an arduous task when completed through ground-based surveys and there are uncertainties associated with the use of large-scale medium resolution image-based digital elevation models for estimating erosion rates. LiDAR derived elevation models have proven effective in modeling erosion, but such data proves costly to obtain, process, and analyze. The proliferation of images and other geospatial datasets generated by unmanned aerial systems (UAS) is increasingly able to reveal additional nuances that traditional geospatial datasets were not able to obtain due to the former’s higher spatial resolution. This study evaluated the efficacy of a UAS derived digital terrain model (DTM) to estimate surface flow and sediment loading in a fluvial aggregate excavation operation in Waukesha County, Wisconsin. A nested scale distributed hydrologic flow and sediment loading model was constructed for the UAS point cloud derived DTM. To evaluate the effectiveness of flow and sediment loading generated by the UAS point cloud derived DTM, a LiDAR derived DTM was used for comparison in consonance with several statistical measures of model efficiency. Results demonstrate that the UAS derived DTM can be used in modeling flow and sediment erosion estimation across space in the absence of a LiDAR-based derived DTM.


IEEE Access ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 3115-3122
Author(s):  
Danlei Ye ◽  
Xin Jiang ◽  
Guanying Huo ◽  
Cheng Su ◽  
Zehong Lu ◽  
...  

2002 ◽  
Vol 81 (2) ◽  
pp. 211-215 ◽  
Author(s):  
R.T. Van Balen ◽  
R.F. Houtgast ◽  
F.M. Van der Wateren ◽  
J. Vandenberghe

AbstractUsing marine planation surfaces, fluvial terraces and a digital terrain model, the amount of eroded rock volume versus time for the Meuse catchment has been computed. A comparison of the amount of eroded volume with the volume of sediment preserved in the Roer Valley Rift System shows that 12% of the eroded volume is trapped in this rift. The neotectonic uplift evolution of the Ardennes is inferred from the incision history of the Meuse River system and compared to the subsidence characteristics of the Roer Valley Rift System. Both areas are characterized by an early Middle Pleistocene uplift event.


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