SPI/PV Image Analysis
Our team of SPI/PV image analysts and scientists provide unparalleled collective experience interpreting these “worm’s eye views” of the benthic environment.
Image Analysis
Imagery-based data acquisition techniques are central to our analyses. Just as collecting quality images in the field is vital to success, so too is the image analysis that translates those images into quantitative and qualitative results for interpretation and answering research and management questions.
We constantly innovate and refine our image analysis processes and parameters to meet client and regulatory needs.
Our data scientists develop AI and ML methodologies for enhanced efficiencies and scientific value. These methodologies are developed and applied in concert with a deep understanding of the biogeochemical and ecological functioning captured in each image.
Our along-trackline video analysis provides fine-scale geoform level interpretation of seafloor characteristics that is paired with geophysical data and SPI/PV data to improve understanding of benthic habitat distribution and variability.
Related Projects
Monitoring of the Historic Area Remediation Site (HARS) (2019 – 2024)
Our scientists have supported benthic assessments of the HARS for over a decade and serve as valued partners to the USACE and EPA in provide robust science to support site monitoring and management decisions. We have analyzed SPI/PV, video, and diver-collected imagery throughout the HARS over the years to assess dredged material placement and benthic soft sediment recovery, as well as epifaunal communities supported by rock placed along the western edge of the site.
Related Projects
Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Pilot Project Foundation Monitoring
We conducted dual purpose studies that assessed the physical condition of the offshore wind turbine monopile and transition piece above and below the waterline and characterized marine growth for environmental and structural monitoring. Each year we collected underwater drone video footage and SPI/PV imagery. We produced a guide for Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy technicians to use for the above waterline imagery collection.
A picture is worth a thousand worms
Image Analysis Applications
Video Analysis
Video analysis is used to assess seafloor characteristics, investigate the extent of seagrass beds, and map epifaunal distributions.
Video analysis is used to assess seafloor characteristics, investigate the extent of seagrass beds, and map epifaunal distributions.
Benthic Hard Bottom Faunal Analysis
Imagery of boulders collected in ROV is analyzed to determine faunal composition as well as rugosity characteristics.
Imagery of boulders collected in ROV is analyzed to determine faunal composition as well as rugosity characteristics.
Baited Remote Underwater Video Analysis
BRUV is used to assess fish abundance. Video analysis is expedited by using machine learning in which artificial intelligence is used to identify video frames that have images of fish. An image library is being developed to identify fish at the species level.
BRUV is used to assess fish abundance. Video analysis is expedited by using machine learning in which artificial intelligence is used to identify video frames that have images of fish. An image library is being developed to identify fish at the species level.
Photogrammetry
Images are analyzed to estimate volume of biomass growing on structures.
Images are analyzed to estimate volume of biomass growing on structures.
Ground-truth benthic habitat data
Results from SPI/PV and video analysis are used to ground-truth benthic habitat delineations derived from geophysical data.
Results from SPI/PV and video analysis are used to ground-truth benthic habitat delineations derived from geophysical data.
Other Services
We provide trusted expert support with a proven track record of success