The influence of bottom vegetation on remote sensing bathymetry: A case study using Landsat Thematic Mapper data in the Zanzibar Channel

摘要

By using echo-sounding data and considerable local knowledge of the environment the possibility to use data from Landsat TM for bathymetric mapping is analysed in the vicinity of Zanzibar. Different TM band combinations and basic image processing techniques are evaluated against the known water depths. The limitations of remote sensing techniques for bathymetric mapping are discussed, with emphasis on the problem of differences in reflective properties of the sea bottom. A recommendation for an optimal empirical method is given.