The benthoscope system: a versatile tool for seafloor characterization, benthic species identification, and habitat mapping

The BENTHOSCOPE is a versatile, compact and portable georeferenced underwater imaging tool, designed for rapid, high-coverage seafloor and benthos sampling. It features a high-resolution real-time imaging system, capable of capturing both photographs and videos for photogrammetry, along with depth a...

Descripción completa

Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Frank, Aida, López Rodríguez, Francisco José, Forteza, Marina, Farriols, M. Teresa, Ordinas, Francesc, Guijarro, Beatriz, Massutí, Enric
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:España
Institución:Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC)
Repositorio:UPCommons. Portal del coneixement obert de la UPC
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:upcommons.upc.edu:2117/452349
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/2117/452349
https://dx.doi.org/10.5821/iwp.2025.24.13983
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Oceanography -- Research -- Spain
Oceanography -- Equipment and supplies
Benthos -- Spain
Photogrammetry -- Spain
Benthos
Seafloor
Underwater imaging
Photogrammetry
Habitat mapping
Oceanografia -- Investigació -- Illes Balears
Oceanografia -- Aparells i instruments
Bentos -- Illes Balears
Fotogrametria -- Illes Balears
Àrees temàtiques de la UPC::Enginyeria civil::Geologia::Oceanografia
Àrees temàtiques de la UPC::Enginyeria electrònica::Instrumentació i mesura
Descripción
Sumario:The BENTHOSCOPE is a versatile, compact and portable georeferenced underwater imaging tool, designed for rapid, high-coverage seafloor and benthos sampling. It features a high-resolution real-time imaging system, capable of capturing both photographs and videos for photogrammetry, along with depth and water temperature data acquisition. Its lightweight and modular design allows for easy deployment from various vessels, without requiring complex infrastructure to enhance survey efficiency. Successfully deployed in a 35 days oceanographic research survey around the Balearic Islands, the system has proven to be a cost-effective and adaptable alternative to traditional ROVs and other photogrammetric technologies.