Underwater LiDAR as a key component of integrated ocean research systems
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Published:
Sep 2, 2025
Keywords:
LiDAR, underwater LiDAR systems, bathymetric mapping, 532 nm laser radiation, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), seabed, underwater objects, marine ecosystems, archaeological sites, coastal infrastructure, ocean floor mapping
Main Article Content
Abstract
Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology is opening up new horizons for exploring the deep sea. While ground-based and airborne LiDAR systems are actively used to create high-precision topographic maps, underwater LiDAR systems represent an innovative and promising direction for bathymetric mapping. The proposed underwater LiDAR systems are capable of providing centimeter accuracy in coastal and shallow water areas where traditional acoustic methods face limitations. By using laser radiation in the blue-green spectral range (typically 532 nm), underwater LiDAR is able to penetrate the water column to depths of tens of meters, providing dense coverage of data points. The system can be integrated with autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), or surface platforms to efficiently collect data on seabed topography, underwater object structure, and water environment characteristics. The development of affordable underwater LiDAR systems is of strategic importance for the development of science in the marine field, providing an opportunity to study in detail underwater landscapes, marine ecosystems, archaeological sites and coastal infrastructure. The implementation of this technology will contribute to the ambitious goal of complete mapping of the ocean floor by 2030, especially in areas where existing technologies are inefficient or inapplicable.
Article Details
How to Cite
Rossomakha, O., Tomchakovsky, G., Rossomakha, O., Koliesnik, O., Safyan, O., & Oberto Santana, L. (2025). Underwater LiDAR as a key component of integrated ocean research systems. Herald of the Odessa National Maritime University, (77), 140-164. https://doi.org/10.47049/2226-1893-2025-3-140-164
Section
Ensuring the safety of navigation
References
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30. Zimmerman R.C., Sukenik C.I., and Hill V.J. Subsea LIDAR systems in Subsea Optics and Imaging, 2013, Р. 471-488e.
31. Shan J., Topographic laser ranging and scanning principles and processing. Boca Rato: Boca Raton: CRC Press/Taylor & Francis Group, 2009.
32. Dehong C., Liangqi Z., Pengpeng S., Zaiyang T., Yuhao M. and Yong W. Design and implementation of LiDAR navigation system based on triangulation measurement in 2017 29th Chinese Control And Decision Conference (CCDC), 2017, Р. 6060-6063.
33. Mcleod D., Jacobson J., Hardy M., and Embry C. Autonomous Inspection using an Underwater 3D LiDAR presented at the OCEANS 2013, San Diego, 2013.
34. Popescu S.C. Lidar Remote Sensing (Chapter 3) in Advances in Environmental Remote Sensing, Q. Weng, Ed.: CRC Press, Taylor and Francis Group, 2011.
35. Hou W.W. et al. FMCW optical ranging technique in turbid waters presented at the Ocean Sensing and Monitoring VII, 2015.
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39. Chust G., Grande M., Galparsoro I., Uriarte A., and Borja Á. Capabilities of the bathymetric Hawk Eye LiDAR for coastal habitat mapping: A case study within a Basque estuary. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, vol. 89, no. 3, Р. 200-213, 2010.
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41. Birkebak M., Eren F., Pe’eri S., and Weston N. The Effect of Surface Waves on Airborne Lidar Bathymetry (ALB) Measurement Uncertainties. Remote Sensing, vol. 10, no. 3, Р. 453, 2018.
42. Pe'eri S., Gardner J.V., Ward L.G. and Morrison J.R. The Seafloor: A Key Factor in Lidar Bottom Detection. IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing, vol. 49, no. 3, Р. 1150-1157, 2011.
43. 3D at Depth [Електронний ресурс]. – Режим доступу: https://3datdepth.com/