New approach based on Image Processing Techniques for water level measurements in the field and laboratory applications

Abstract

Water level is crucial for observation and management of water resources and is considered an essential part of any hydraulic study. There are many conventional techniques used to measure the water level, which require manual inspection for data collection where the water level is directly measured. Nowadays, new techniques have emerged compatible with different situations, which are based on remote measuring developed to improve the general performance through enhancing the accuracy, durability, and/or simplicity, etc. However, some structural or financial disadvantages do exist. For example, pressure and ultrasonic sensors are very accurate, but they are often very costly to purchase and need to be renewed regularly. Image Processing Techniques (IPT) are very promising measuring techniques. Not so many applications have been studied to test the accuracy and applicability of IPT for research purposes. In this paper, two different applications for employing IPT in measuring water level using manual and automatic water level detection schemes will be studied; an in-situ and a laboratory application, to highlight their capabilities and limitations.