River Surface Velocity Measurement for Rapid Levee Breach Emergency Response Based on DFP-P-LK Algorithm

Area of Science:

• Environmental science
• Hydrology
• Remote sensing

Background:

• Climate change and extreme weather events heighten the risk of levee breaches and subsequent floods.
• Accurate river surface velocity measurement is vital for effective emergency response planning during levee breaches.
• Video image velocimetry offers a non-invasive, user-friendly, and cost-effective method for flow velocity assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel optical flow algorithm, Dynamic Feature Point Pyramid Lucas-Kanade (DFP-P-LK), for enhanced feature point extraction and tracking.
• To propose a river surface velocity measurement model utilizing the DFP-P-LK algorithm for rapid levee breach emergency response.
• To provide critical data support for emergency management by converting optical flow data into actual flow velocities.

Main Methods:

• Development and implementation of the Dynamic Feature Point Pyramid Lucas-Kanade (DFP-P-LK) optical flow algorithm with a dynamic feature point update fusion strategy.
• Feature point fusion detection and dynamic update mechanisms to ensure robust optical flow estimation.
• Integration of the DFP-P-LK algorithm into a river surface velocity measurement model, including an optical flow-velocity conversion component.

Main Results:

• The DFP-P-LK algorithm demonstrates enhanced robustness in optical flow estimation through dynamic feature point management.
• The proposed river surface velocity measurement model effectively converts optical flow motion to actual flow velocities.
• Experimental validation shows an average measurement error below 15% for velocities ranging from 0.43 m/s to 2.06 m/s.

Conclusions:

• The DFP-P-LK algorithm and the associated velocity measurement model provide a reliable and practical solution for rapid river surface velocity assessment.
• This approach offers significant value in supporting timely and informed decision-making during levee breach emergencies.
• The method's accuracy and reliability contribute to improved environmental monitoring and public safety strategies in flood-prone areas.