On the Accuracy of Particle Image Velocimetry with Citizen Videos—Five Typical Case Studies

Abstract

The application of image velocimetry to measure surface streamflow velocities requires meticulous preparation, including surveying and securing both the existence of floating features on the water surface, and, as in every hydrometry method, appropriate hydraulic conditions (e.g., uniform flow, turbulent velocity profile, etc.). Though these requirements can be easily satisfied when all stages involved in image velocimetry are prepared and executed by specialists, this is not guaranteed when the video footage is recorded by citizens. This kind of spontaneously obtained data are frequently the only available information of extreme flood events; therefore, and despite their non-scientific origin and standardization, these data are very important for hydrology. In this study, we evaluate image velocimetry under a variety of conditions, including conditions resembling citizen videos. Furthermore, we conclude on the manual analysis as a means of verification of the accuracy of the velocity estimations. An interesting finding from the case study with non-uniform flow conditions was that the surface velocities occurring at the middle section of the river, estimated using large-scale particle image velocimetry algorithms, exhibited a significant error, whereas the manual estimation was more accurate. This finding calls for further investigation and a more careful approach in similar conditions.