Satellite-derived bathymetry and rock detection for maritime archaeology using VENµS imagery
Dublin Core
Title
Satellite-derived bathymetry and rock detection for maritime archaeology using VENµS imagery
Description
Since its beginnings in 1975, deriving bathymetry by means of multispectral satellite imagery has been a method
that has not yet been fully exploited in the maritime archaeology realm. It focuses on using the blue and green
bands for their water penetration capabilities to later convert each pixel into depth values. This method can be
replicated in time and space, while keeping costs low and covering large areas. In this research, two highresolution bathymetric maps using VENµS satellite imagery and a variation of Stumpf’s equation were
produced. Two archaeological sites were selected: the harbour of Sebastos (built by King Herod) and the Achziv
ridges on the northern coast of Israel. The importance of collecting satellite imagery under low Chl-a [mg/m3]
conditions is addressed, and an algorithm for identifying shallow rocks above and below the water level is
included. Our research suggests that satellite-derived bathymetry mapping along the Israeli coast is more
efficient for satellite images taken between March and September, when Chl-a concentrations are likely to be
lower; maximum depth penetration using VENμS is found to be approximately up to 23 m depth with a Root
Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 0.53.
that has not yet been fully exploited in the maritime archaeology realm. It focuses on using the blue and green
bands for their water penetration capabilities to later convert each pixel into depth values. This method can be
replicated in time and space, while keeping costs low and covering large areas. In this research, two highresolution bathymetric maps using VENµS satellite imagery and a variation of Stumpf’s equation were
produced. Two archaeological sites were selected: the harbour of Sebastos (built by King Herod) and the Achziv
ridges on the northern coast of Israel. The importance of collecting satellite imagery under low Chl-a [mg/m3]
conditions is addressed, and an algorithm for identifying shallow rocks above and below the water level is
included. Our research suggests that satellite-derived bathymetry mapping along the Israeli coast is more
efficient for satellite images taken between March and September, when Chl-a concentrations are likely to be
lower; maximum depth penetration using VENμS is found to be approximately up to 23 m depth with a Root
Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 0.53.
Creator
Gerardo Diaz
Yoav Lehahn
Emmanuel Nantet
Publisher
The Museum of Underwater Archaeology
Date
2023
Language
English
Bibliographic Citation
Diaz, Gerardo. 2023. “Satellite-derived bathymetry and rock detection for maritime archaeology using VENµS imagery.” Edited by Jennifer Craig, Jay Mok, T. Kurlt Knoerl, and Hans van Tilburg. In Proceedings of Fifth Asia Pacific Regional Conference on Underwater Cultural Heritage: Gwangju, The Republic of Korea, November 13-18 2023. The Museum of Underwater Archaeology. URL: https://apconf.omeka.net/exhibits/show/apconfproceedings/item/1914
Files
Citation
Gerardo Diaz, Yoav Lehahn, and Emmanuel Nantet, “Satellite-derived bathymetry and rock detection for maritime archaeology using VENµS imagery,” APCONF-MUCH Proceedings Recently Added Items, accessed October 24, 2026, https://apconf-much.org/proceedings/items/show/545.