Stream discharge using mobile large-scale particle image velocimetry: A proof of concept

The authors describe a mobile large-scale particle image velocimetry-based system (MLSPIV) that allows real-time visualization and quantitative estimation of instantaneous and averaged flow characteristics at the river free surface with minimum preparation from the banks of the river. High spatial resolution and the remote, real-time, and fully digital nature of MLSPIV make it well suited to work as either a stand-alone instrument, as presented in the paper, or an integrated system in large-scale networks for monitoring ungauged river basins. Preliminary tests with the mobile LSPIV configuration demonstrate that the technique has the potential to efficiently support research and monitoring of riverine systems. Discharge measurements obtained with MLSPIV show good agreement with discharge measured by the U. S. Geological Survey stream gauging station and other measurement methods.