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Quantification and Analysis of 3D Structure of Coral Reefs
Guan-Yan Chen 1 and Cheng-Feng Dai 2*
1 Master, Institute of Oceanography, National Taiwan University
2 Professor, Institute of Oceanography, National Taiwan University
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Abstract:
The structural complexity of coral reefs which is essential for maintaining their high biodiversity and ecosystem functions can be a good indicator for assessing their healthy status. However, it is very difficult to quantify the structural complexity of coral reefs efficiently by traditional methods. Recently, the Structure from Motion (SfM), a low-cost photogrammetric method, has been increasingly applied to generate 3D models of coral reefs with high resolutions. Herein we introduce the standard protocols of applying SfM in underwater survey and quantitative analysis at Chaojing and Wanlitong reefs. The results of 3D models reveal the differences in structural complexity of benthic features and can be used to assess the impacts of marine activities on coral reefs. Besides, drones can also be used to survey the structural complexity of coral reefs in a larger area. In a smaller scale, photographs of a coral colony taken in lab or field can be used to generate 3D models in high resolutions. The 3D models can be used not only for quantitative analysis but also for public education and exhibitions. With the improvement of hardware and data accumulation in the future, the SfM methods will have high potential in marine ecological survey, ecosystem monitoring and conservation.
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Keywords: 3D model, coral reef, structural complexity, structure from motion.
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*Corresponding author; e-mail: corallab@ntu.edu.tw
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©
2020
Marine Research , ISSN 2709-6629
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