Measuring Flow Rates on the Perrine Coulee Using Photogrammetry and UAS
Faculty Mentor Information
Jeff Cooper, College of Southern Idaho
Presentation Date
7-2025
Abstract
Water flow measurement is crucial for managing water resources, irrigation, and environmental monitoring. In dry, semi-arid, steppe climates, such as those found in Southern Idaho, management of water flow is critical for providing reliable information to water managers. Traditional methods like weirs and current meters offer reliable, direct measurements but can be infrastructure-intensive, time-consuming, cause in-stream disturbance, and be limited in scope. This project compares these conventional techniques with photogrammetry and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), which provide a non-contact, high-resolution approach for estimating discharge. UAS-based photogrammetry can potentially offer rapid, wide-area data collection and minimize in-stream disturbance. The current study analyzes the accuracy and drawbacks of both approaches, aiming to demonstrate how these advanced technologies can complement or possibly replace traditional methods for more comprehensive water resource assessments.
Measuring Flow Rates on the Perrine Coulee Using Photogrammetry and UAS
Water flow measurement is crucial for managing water resources, irrigation, and environmental monitoring. In dry, semi-arid, steppe climates, such as those found in Southern Idaho, management of water flow is critical for providing reliable information to water managers. Traditional methods like weirs and current meters offer reliable, direct measurements but can be infrastructure-intensive, time-consuming, cause in-stream disturbance, and be limited in scope. This project compares these conventional techniques with photogrammetry and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), which provide a non-contact, high-resolution approach for estimating discharge. UAS-based photogrammetry can potentially offer rapid, wide-area data collection and minimize in-stream disturbance. The current study analyzes the accuracy and drawbacks of both approaches, aiming to demonstrate how these advanced technologies can complement or possibly replace traditional methods for more comprehensive water resource assessments.