Satellite River Flow Measurement Using Multi-Source Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current satellite-based river flow measurement methods are inadequate for areas lacking hydrological stations and underwater cross-sectional data, particularly in uninhabited regions, as they cannot simultaneously provide high-resolution plane and elevation data, and fail to acquire cross-sectional or topographic data below the water surface.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing satellite big data to continuously measure river flow by selecting river reaches with adjacent satellite revisit positions, reconstructing river channel cross-sections based on high-precision altimetry and orthophoto/remote sensing data, calculating real-time water levels, and applying hydrodynamic methods to determine river flow, incorporating 3D surveying and mapping satellites for gradient analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing satellite-based flow measurement methods are used, then water level or water surface breadth can be measured, but cross-sectional or topographic data below the water surface cannot be acquired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement task into multiple components: using altimetry satellites for water surface elevation, orthophoto satellites for planar position, and 3D surveying satellites for cross-sectional topology. Each satellite type captures a specific aspect of the river cross-section, and these segmented measurements are integrated to reconstruct the complete underwater cross-sectional profile that no single satellite can obtain alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges data from multiple satellite sources (altimetry, orthophoto, and 3D surveying satellites) to achieve comprehensive river flow measurement. By combining the elevation data from altimetry satellites with the planar positioning from orthophoto satellites and the cross-sectional topology from 3D surveying satellites, the system overcomes the limitation of individual satellites unable to capture underwater cross-sectional information.
2Measurement precision
If high-precision altimetry and orthophoto satellites are used separately, then planar or vertical resolution reaches several tens of meters, but river flow measurement requirements cannot be satisfied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the satellite measurement system universal by applying it to river flow measurement in uninhabited areas without requiring ground hydrological stations. The integrated multi-satellite approach enables the system to adapt to diverse river conditions and geographic locations, transforming specialized satellite data into a versatile flow measurement solution that works across different environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional satellite observations (planar and vertical resolutions) to three-dimensional river cross-sectional reconstruction. By incorporating 3D surveying satellite data that captures the topological structure of river banks and channels, the system adds the dimensional element needed to calculate flow area and velocity, enabling complete flow measurement capability.
3Measurement precision
If ground hydrological stations are used for calibration, then flow measurement can be performed, but areas without hydrological stations such as uninhabited regions cannot be measured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the satellite system to be self-sufficient by eliminating the requirement for ground hydrological stations. The method uses only satellite data (altimetry, orthophoto, and 3D surveying) to directly calculate river flow through hydrodynamic equations, allowing the system to independently measure flow in uninhabited areas without needing external calibration from ground-based infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces hydrodynamic equations as an intermediary that bridges satellite observations and flow measurement. Instead of requiring direct calibration from ground stations, the hydrodynamic equations serve as a mathematical mediator that transforms satellite-measured parameters (water surface breadth, elevation difference, cross-sectional area) into flow rate calculations, enabling measurement in areas without hydrological infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for continuous measurement of river flow based on satellite big data is provided. The method includes: determining a river reach to conduct flow measurement, reconstructing a cross section of a river channel based on satellite big data, calculating real-time water levels by coupling data of various types of satellites, and performing flow calculation and compilation. The method solves the difficult problem of river flow measurement or continuous measurement of river flow in uninhabited areas, fills the blank of satellite-based flow measurement according to the principle of river dynamics, and greatly expands the range of river flow measurement.