River Velocity through LSPTV Technique using UAVs

This paper presented the analysis of the difference between two techniques for the measurement of the velocity of water flows using the non-intrusive large-scale particle tracking velocimetry technique (LS PTV) and various intrusive techniques like digital water velocity meters. This research analyzes the difference between two techniques for measuring the velocity of water flows, using the non-intrusive large-scale particle tracking velocimetry technique (LSPTV), and intrusive techniques such as electromagnetic windlass and propeller windlass. A fluvial characterization of the river is conducted to classify it in relation to various fluvial parameters. The technique is applied in the stretch of the river, using two types of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs): DJI Inspire II and DJI Spark, using two types of tracers, to obtain velocity fields in the study section. Comparing the two techniques it is evident that the tracers that best adapted to the model are the orange peel with the Spark drone with a reliability of 91 %, compared to the tracers of plastic covers with the same vehicle with a reliability of 81 %. The LSPTV technique has higher reliability compared to conventional methods, even more when depth corrections are made; therefore, it would reduce the risks for operators and/or damage to equipment that needs to be introduced to the fluid.