Streamflow Estimation from Advanced Imaging (LSPIV) in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Water Science Center and the Next Generation Water Observing Systems (NGWOS) Program are implementing new technologies for streamflow estimation at sites in Pennsylvania where conventional measurement techniques are inadequate.
Large-Scale Particle Image Velocimetry (LSPIV) is an emerging technique to obtain measurements of surface velocity in streams and rivers. USGS scientists are applying LSPIV in Chartiers Creek in Carnegie, and Frankford Creek at Castor Avenue in Philadelphia, sites where the dynamic flow and channel conditions make conventional measurement difficult. Every 5 minutes, a 60-second downward-looking video of the moving water surface can be processed to estimate the velocity of water in the stream.
A camera system to measure water level and surface velocity is being tested at the East Branch Brandywine Creek below Downingtown. This technology is part of the USGS Next Generation Water Observing System in the Delaware River Basin.
Lidar data processed to define the stream channel
The image below shows about 52 million points collected in July 2020 using laser techniques which define the Frankford Creek channel in three dimensions. With this high resolution survey data, collection of video of moving particles in the water from a bridge camera can be used to estimate the streamflow rate every minute.
Related science.
Next Generation Water Observing System: Delaware River Basin
Next Generation Water Observing System (NGWOS)
Pennsylvania and the Delaware River Basin
Pennsylvania Water Science Center and the Next Generation Water Observing Systems (NGWOS) Program are implementing new technologies for streamflow estimation at sites in Pennsylvania where conventional measurement techniques are inadequate.
Large-Scale Particle Image Velocimetry (LSPIV) is an emerging technique to obtain measurements of surface velocity in streams and rivers. USGS scientists are applying LSPIV in Chartiers Creek in Carnegie, and Frankford Creek at Castor Avenue in Philadelphia, sites where the dynamic flow and channel conditions make conventional measurement difficult. Every 5 minutes, a 60-second downward-looking video of the moving water surface can be processed to estimate the velocity of water in the stream.
A camera system to measure water level and surface velocity is being tested at the East Branch Brandywine Creek below Downingtown. This technology is part of the USGS Next Generation Water Observing System in the Delaware River Basin.
Lidar data processed to define the stream channel
The image below shows about 52 million points collected in July 2020 using laser techniques which define the Frankford Creek channel in three dimensions. With this high resolution survey data, collection of video of moving particles in the water from a bridge camera can be used to estimate the streamflow rate every minute.
Related science.