Research on the Development of Extraction and Standardization Algorithms for Channel Valley Spatial Information in Hwangdo Tidal Flats

Tidal flats are ecologically and geologically influential coastal environments, undergoing continuous changes influenced by sedimentation, tides, and river inputs. The channels in tidal flats, directly affected by these topographical changes, require observation and research. Previous studies on tidal flat channels often faced limitations in detailed spatial analysis due to the use of low-resolution data over small ranges. This study aims to extract and analyze precise spatial information of tidal flat channels using high-resolution DSM (Digital Surface Model). The study area is the Hwang-do tidal flat located on the west coast of Korea. In August and October 2022, high-resolution DSM data with 50 cm and 5 cm spatial resolutions were obtained using drone-based Lidar. This study utilized the Hwang-do tidal flat DSM to extract channels and analyze their cross-sections. The Channel Network algorithm was applied to extract channels at various levels, focusing on Level 9 channels to analyze channel valley spatial information. Excluding data identified as artificial structures and islands, 65 channels were extracted. The cross-sections of these extracted channels were analyzed to compare actual depth values with results obtained through Fitting Processing. This process enabled the extraction of channel valley widths at certain depth intervals from the deepest points of the channels. By analyzing the changes in extracted width values, this study aims to establish a standard for channel valley width. Identifying the points of width change and extracting the total width of the channel valley can potentially offer insights into the sedimentological and geological research of tidal flats.