Einblicke in aktuelle Forschungsmethoden der 3D-Datenerfassung und 3D-Visualisierung in der Hydrographie an der HafenCity Universität Hamburg

Due to recent advances in hardware and software technologies, three-dimensional data acquisition and visualization is becoming ubiquitous in hydrographic applications. At the HafenCity University Hamburg recent projects dealing with 3D datasets have been conducted. Among those the investigation of three-dimensional datasets of the sub-sea floor acquired by the SES-2000 sixpack sub-bottom profiler. By applying different transmit pulse settings and transducer setups, it could be shown that the penetration depth is not only related to the frequency. The result proved to be convenient for 3D modelling of the sub-sea bed which is demonstrated for the visualization of a buried wreck. Another project aims at the reconstruction of an emersed wreck using bathymetric data, historic photographs and construction plans. This study concentrates on different 3D models of the vessel’s original state and its overlay with the remaining parts on the bottom of the sea floor. Other current visualization methods involve virtual reality (VR). The first study provides a methodology for presenting a large fjord environment above and below the water surface in VR. In this work several digital terrain models have been used to create a seamless, high resolution landscape. The result offers the possibility to observe the terrain in several terrain textures. The second study investigates, whether the visualization of bathymetric data through VR conveys a better understanding of information as opposed to conventional static maps and determines the possible use of VR in the field of hydrography.