Fluvial Information System (FIS)
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State of the art image processing techniques applied to catchment-scale river basin management
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Uses the highest resolution aerial photography commercially available to capture detailed riverine information
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Quantitative, replicable and rigorous data suitable for detailed geomorphological and ecological studies of river habitats
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Automated production of particle size and river depth maps from aerial photography
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Streamwise data analysis to examine downstream trends in grain size (D50), bathymetry, channel width and a host of other variables
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Permanent datasets that can be used for year-on-year temporal and spatial change detection
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What can we offer?
APEM offers the latest quantitative, cost-effective river habitat survey and quantification techniques - the Fluvial Information System (FIS). By coupling our high-resolution image acquisition service to state-of-the-art bespoke image processing software, we can offer an unprecedented service in fluvial data acquisition.
Using the most recent scientific advances in riverine remote sensing technology, APEM has, in conjunction with Durham University, developed the world's first and only software tool for the extraction of detailed river data from aerial photography. With proprietary image processing algorithms, we are able to generate large-scale maps of river grain size and depth suitable for detailed geomorphological analysis. These datasets can be combined with known salmonid habitat references from scientific literature to form fully replicable maps of likely juvenile salmon habitat. The maps can then be seamlessly integrated into industry standard GIS software to allow for detailed analysis and identification of ecological and geomorphological trends.
As well as producing fully georeferenced habitat maps, the FIS is capable of automatically extracting grain size, depth and channel width parameters at discrete intervals along a river's course, to enable the generation of long profiles showing downstream trends. These can reveal a wealth of information about a river channel, and can be used to help identify the exact location of sedimentary links or pool-riffle sequences. In addition to this, the FIS can rapidly generate statistics summarising a river's length, average depth, wetted areas and overall grain size composition without the need for costly and extensive fieldwork.
Digital terrain models can also be integrated in to the FIS to allow for river morphology analysis. Channel gradient, valley form and river depth cross sections suitable for integration with RHS can be extracted efficiently and preserved for future analysis. In addition, an innovative river sinuosity assessment method contained within the FIS allows for the identification of meander 'hotspots' and potential areas of sediment deposition.
Why choose APEM?
APEM is a science-based company, working exclusively within the realm of Aquatic Science for over 20 years. We operate UK-wide, providing a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach to the monitoring and management of aquatic ecosystems. Our scientists are recognised experts in their diverse and specialist fields. Our teams work to exacting standards and are committed to providing a professional, client-focused service.
The Fluvial Information System complements and enhances APEM's existing aerial survey capability. We offer a comprehensive service, from project planning through to image capture and quantitative analysis. The FIS enables us to conduct in depth analysis into a range of river habitat parameters on a scale previously inconceivable.
Typical Outputs from the FIS Include:
River grain size (D50) maps,
River depth maps,
Salmonid habitat maps,
1D long profiles of D50, depth and river width for trend analysis,
2D long profiles of grain size composition or river depth cross-sections for use with hydraulic modelling,
Channel altitude/slope analysis from digital elevation models,
Sinuosity measurement for analysis of river meanders.
Key Projects
Scottish & Southern Energy Grain Size Mapping
Tyne Rivers Trust Salmonid Habitat Mapping
