Open Access

REVIEW

Seamless Multisource Topo-Bathymetric Elevation Modelling for River Basins: A Review of UAV and USV Integration Techniques

Kelvin Kang Wee Tang^1,*, Muhammad Hafiz Mohd Yatim¹, Norhadija Darwin², Wan Anom Wan Aris¹, Sim Ching Yen³, Nurfazira Mohamed Fadil³

1 Geomatic Innovation Research Group (GnG), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru, 81310, Malaysia
2 Geospatial Imaging & Information Research Group (Gi2RG), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru, 81310, Malaysia
3 Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru, 81310, Malaysia

* Corresponding Author: Kelvin Kang Wee Tang. Email:

(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advancements in Geospatial Methods and Technologies for Sustainable Built Environment and Engineering)

Revue Internationale de Géomatique 2025, 34, 587-602. https://doi.org/10.32604/rig.2025.065583

Received 17 March 2025; Accepted 11 July 2025; Issue published 06 August 2025

Abstract

The integration of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Uncrewed Surface Vehicles (USVs) has revolutionized topographic and bathymetric mapping, significantly enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of geospatial data acquisition processes. This innovative approach synergistically combines terrestrial data collected by UAVs with underwater data obtained through USVs, culminating in the creation of unified high-resolution Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) of the river basin region represents a vital step toward understanding the dynamic interactions between land and water bodies. Hence, the seamless Topo-Bathymetric Elevation Model offers a detailed perspective of the river system, supporting informed decision-making in addressing sediment transport, erosion, and river morphology. This manuscript provides a comprehensive review examines the advanced methodologies for creating seamless multisource Topo-Bathymetry Elevation Models (TBEMs) in river basin contexts, emphasising critical factors such as cost-effectiveness, operational efficiency, and data precision. In particular, UAVs deliver high-resolution (1–3 cm) topographic mapping with 5–10 km operational ranges, while USVs provide complementary bathymetric data (1 m resolution) across 3–5 km. This synergy enables seamless land-water surveys, achieving superior precision (±8 cm terrestrial, ±3 cm underwater) and efficiency over traditional methods. By analysing the benefits and limitations inherent in these technologies, this review elucidates the potential of UAV-USV synergy to improve the accuracy and reliability of geospatial data, thereby supporting well-versed decision-making processes in environmental management and conservation efforts. Furthermore, the findings underscore the broader implications of this integrated approach for riverine and coastal studies, advocating for its wider adoption in various applications, including habitat monitoring, flood risk assessment, and sustainable resource management. The synthesis of terrestrial and aquatic data through UAV-USV collaboration not only advances the field of geospatial science but also fosters a deeper understanding of the interdependencies between land and water systems, ultimately contributing to more effective environmental stewardship.

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Keywords

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