Management of dynamic navigational channels using video techniques

Dynamic navigation channels, where sediment transport may change the geometry of the channel in short periods of time, are one of the most dangerous environments for ship navigation. The management of the navigation safety at these waterways requires a detailed monitoring program that provides accurate information regarding the sandbank and channel movements. In this paper the potential of video imaging techniques for managing dynamic navigation channels is explored. Small and large port management strategies are analyzed using Teignmouth and Santander ports as case studies. By means of the frame of reference [Van Koningsveld, 2003. Matching Specialist Knowledge with End User Needs. Ph.D. Thesis, Twente University, Enschede, The Netherlands. ISBN 90-365-1897-0.] a characterisation of the management of navigation issues is performed and several specific video-derived Coastal State Indicators (CSIs) are quantified. New algorithms for evaluating these CSIs are developed. In particular, new algorithms for identifying and locating navigation buoys and for the automatic detection of the shoreline (a proxy for the channel location) are presented and validated.In both cases (Teignmouth and Santander ports) the video system is proven to evaluate quantitative CSIs over a broad range of time-scales (hours to years) which cannot be obtained practically with traditional monitoring techniques. The techniques developed here deliver more information to port authorities; facilitating more informed management decisions regarding how, when, or where intervention is required and thus reducing the navigation risk to shipping.