Dear all,
We are pleased to invite you to the next WISE Webinar on the topic of Wave Spectra and Currents from Nadir Imagery on 22/1/2026 at 4:00PM CET.
Join us via https://tudelft.zoom.us/my/wisezoominars on 22nd January at 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM CET!
First speaker: Micheal Stesser, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon
Title: Wave‑Dispersion‑Based Retrieval of Surface Currents From Aerial Video
Abstract:
CopterCurrents is an open‑source software tool designed to derive high‑resolution surface current fields from short video sequences of propagating gravity waves. The method identifies the current-induced Doppler shift of the linear wave dispersion relation in the image spectrum using a three‑dimensional Fast Fourier Transform (3D‑FFT) and an energy‑maximization technique. Its accuracy has been evaluated across a range of environments, demonstrating that small consumer‑grade quadcopters can serve as effective and non‑intrusive platforms for current measurements. In this talk, we introduce the fundamentals of current inversion based on wave dispersion and present several application examples using imagery recorded with off‑the‑shelf drone systems. The benefits and limitations of this approach are discussed, along with perspectives for future improvements.
Second speaker: Aviv Solodoch, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Title: Retrieval of Surface Waves Spectrum From UAV Nadir Video
Abstract:
We propose a new methodology for ocean surface wave measurement by processing standard video footage from low-cost unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The method relies on the fact that the optical contrast of surface gravity waves is proportional to their steepness. We present a robust methodology of regularized inversion of the optical imagery spectra, resulting in retrieval of the 3-D wavenumber–frequency sea surface height (SSH) spectrum. The system was tested in several sea trials and in different bathymetric depths and sea state conditions, and good agreement was found with collocated in-situ wave sensors.
Please note that WISE Webinars including the Q&A will be recorded and posted on the WISE YouTube Channel afterwards (https://www.youtube.com/@wisezoominars). By participating, you consent to any information you share to be included in the recording and shared.
Best wishes,
Alvise, Bernard**,** Qingxiang**, Tripp, Morteza** and Alberto**.**
(The WISE Webinar organizing committee)
Dear all,
This is a gentle reminder regarding the upcoming WISE Webinar on the topic of Wave Spectra and Currents from Nadir Imagery on 22/1/2026 at 4:00PM CET.
Join us via https://tudelft.zoom.us/my/wisezoominars on 22nd January at 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM CET!
First speaker: Micheal Stesser, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon
Title: Wave‑Dispersion‑Based Retrieval of Surface Currents From Aerial Video
Abstract:
CopterCurrents is an open‑source software tool designed to derive high‑resolution surface current fields from short video sequences of propagating gravity waves. The method identifies the current-induced Doppler shift of the linear wave dispersion relation in the image spectrum using a three‑dimensional Fast Fourier Transform (3D‑FFT) and an energy‑maximization technique. Its accuracy has been evaluated across a range of environments, demonstrating that small consumer‑grade quadcopters can serve as effective and non‑intrusive platforms for current measurements. In this talk, we introduce the fundamentals of current inversion based on wave dispersion and present several application examples using imagery recorded with off‑the‑shelf drone systems. The benefits and limitations of this approach are discussed, along with perspectives for future improvements.
Second speaker: Aviv Solodoch, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Title: Retrieval of Surface Waves Spectrum From UAV Nadir Video
Abstract:
We propose a new methodology for ocean surface wave measurement by processing standard video footage from low-cost unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The method relies on the fact that the optical contrast of surface gravity waves is proportional to their steepness. We present a robust methodology of regularized inversion of the optical imagery spectra, resulting in retrieval of the 3-D wavenumber–frequency sea surface height (SSH) spectrum. The system was tested in several sea trials and in different bathymetric depths and sea state conditions, and good agreement was found with collocated in-situ wave sensors.
Please note that WISE Webinars including the Q&A will be recorded and posted on the WISE YouTube Channel afterwards (https://www.youtube.com/@wisezoominars). By participating, you consent to any information you share to be included in the recording and shared.
Best wishes,
Alvise, Bernard**,** Qingxiang**, Tripp, Morteza** and Alberto**.**
(The WISE Webinar organizing committee)