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Marine geomorphometry and spatial statistics are two important aspects in modern marine geoscience when quantitative habitat mapping is the goal. Both provide information about natural processes but also anthropogenic activities. DSM members utilize current knowledge and available tools to create state-of-the-art spatial models and develop software for quantitative seafloor analysis (see ValidITy project). We typically use ArcGIS, SAGA GIS, Q-GIS as well as R for our analyses and apply different machine learning algorithms.

Some papers in this direction are: Gazis et al., 2024; Gazis and Greinert, 2021; Gazis et al., 2018; Peukert et al., 2018 – these publications can be found here.

In the past group members (Timm Schoening) actively developed and operated the image annotation software that is being developed by the Biodata Mining Group at Bielefeld University. BIIGLE is a web-based GUI application for annotating images of any kind with different tools in a GUI framework. Image annotation is an important topic for visual monitoring to make information from images available for GIS-based processing. The recent workflows for image annotation by Benson Mbani can be found in his PhD Thesis.

Some papers in this direction are: Schoening et al. 2017; Mbani et al., 2022; Mbani et al. 2023 – these publications can be found here.

DSM has over 10 years of experience in computer based underwater seafloor reconstruction using image data acquired by AUVs, ROVs and towed camera systems (e.g., XOFOS-with link). We typically start processing large photomosaiks as soon as the data are downloaded from the AUV. DSM members have created four of the so far deepest and largest oceanic seafloor photomosaics in the CCZ. Such photomosaics are valuable monitoring tools for deep-sea mining monitoring and munition studies. As part of the image processing, several image improvements are typically done, for which we developed the Tomato-Tool software. For photomosaiking we use the Metashape software;some of our expertise is available in form of a from the .

Some papers in this direction are: Gazis et al., 2025; Gazis et al., 2024; Gausepohl et al., 2020; Schoening et al., 2017 â€“ these publications can be found here.

In the past we developed and advanced a method for using singlebeam echosounder systems (SBES; see publications by Veloso et al) and multibeam echosounder data (MBES; see publications by Urban et al.) for gas flux quantifications. Using data from the RV FALKOR cruise in 2019, Peter and Mario wrote a nice publication where they used the BubbleBox and the system to evaluate the amount of gas being expelled from the Bubble Alley in the Astoria Canyon, Oregon - USA.

Size, number, rising speed and release frequency of bubbles are essential parameters for direct flux measurements of free gas release at the seafloor and the dissolution behavior of gas bubbles in the water column. Such parameters are needed as input for our hydroacoustic flux estimates and calculations for methane transport towards the sea surface. In the past the group developed the BubbleBox where two B&W cameras oriented 90° toward each other take videos with an 80Hz frame rate. Applying image processing techniques, we can count the number and measure the size of bubbles and their rising rate.

Modern photogrammetric methods like image mosaicking or 3D reconstruction allow to use images taken by optical cameras to accurately measure distances or volumes of objects in a scene of interest. In order to archive robust results, it is important to calibrate the geometric properties of the camera used. Technically, the corresponding 3D ray in space is determined for each pixel in the image. Kevin Köser and his group were strongly involved in such kind of science as DSM members, he continues his work at the CAU. Potentially of interest is the little guide to Camera Calibration for acquiring good images that allow for a good camera calibration in post-processing.