Lab experiment for Simultaneous Reconstruction of Water Surface and Bottom with a Synchronized Camera Rig

Abstract

In photo bathymetry, the optical rays are refracted at the air-water interface according to Snell’s law, which creates a blur in the images and produces an error in the reconstruction of the topography. Modelling the dynamic, wave-induced water surface would allow correcting the deviation of the rays at this interface and significantly increasing the accuracy of photo bathymetry. In this contribution, we present a technical proposition aiming to simultaneously capture and reconstruct the water surface and the water bottom using a synchronised camera rig. Different scenarios have been set up to allow different approaches to the problem of extracting information about the water surface. In particular, the design and the acquisition plan of this feasibility study are presented, as well as the first results and improvements for future development.