Study of channel processes in the lowland section of the Dniester River using remote sensing data and GIS
Students Name: Gnit Volodymyr Osypovych
Qualification Level: magister
Speciality: Aerial Imaging from Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Institute: Institute of Geodesy
Mode of Study: full
Academic Year: 2025-2026 н.р.
Language of Defence: ukrainian
Abstract: The relevance of the study of channel processes of the Dniester River is determined by both ecological and socio-economic factors. The Dniester is one of the largest rivers in Eastern Europe and is of strategic importance for Ukraine and Moldova. The channel system of the Dniester is undergoing significant changes related to climatic transformations, changes in the precipitation regime, the intensity of runoff and the activation of erosion processes. In addition, morphodynamics is influenced by man-made factors, including — construction of hydrotechnical structures, change in the structure of land use, water management activities, flow regulation and other types of anthropogenic pressure. Such processes can cause channel deformations, manifested in the form of changes in the width and depth of the channel, reformation of meanders, redistribution of channel flows, as well as the development of coastal erosion, which poses a threat to the surrounding areas [Burshtynska Kh. 2021, Burshtynska, K., Kokhan, S. 2023]. One of the most effective tools for controlling and analyzing the spatio-temporal dynamics of river systems is Earth Remote Sensing (RSS) technologies combined with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Thanks to high efficiency, wide coverage of the territory, accuracy and availability of satellite data, it became possible to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the state of channel systems, determine trends in their development and model possible scenarios of changes. GIS technologies, in turn, allow the integration of heterogeneous information, the implementation of multilevel spatial analysis, the visualization of results and the creation of digital models of channel processes. This combination of methods significantly increases the validity and scientific validity of research, which is particularly relevant in the context of current challenges related to climate change and the need for sustainable water management. In view of this, the study of channel processes within the flat part of the Dniester channel based on materials of remote sensing and geoinformation analysis is extremely important for understanding the dynamics of the river system, assessing risks and developing recommendations for the preservation and rational use of natural resources. The use of multispectral satellite images allows you to analyze changes in the planned configuration of the channel over different periods of time, identify areas of active erosion and accumulation, and determine the scale and intensity of deformations. The use of GIS provides the possibility of accurate comparison of data for different years, construction of chronological models, analysis of morphometric parameters and creation of thematic maps of channel dynamics. The relevance of the work is also strengthened by the importance of preserving Dniester ecosystems. Channel dynamics play a key role in maintaining biodiversity, forming hydrological conditions and functioning of wetlands. Excessive channel reshaping can lead to degradation of important natural complexes, changes in the feeding regime of aquatic ecosystems and disruption of ecological balance. Therefore, detailed monitoring of channel processes based on modern remote sensing and GIS tools is a necessary component of effective environmental management [Shevchuk 2011, Burshtynska K. 2024]. The purpose of this master’s thesis is a comprehensive study of channel processes of the flat system of the Dniester channel using materials of remote sensing of the Earth and geoinformation systems in order to determine the dynamics, trends and intensity of channel deformations. To achieve the goal, the work provides for the following tasks: – analyze the theoretical foundations of the study of channel processes of plain rivers; – characterize Earth remote sensing techniques suitable for channel dynamics analysis; – to identify the possibilities of GIS in the study of the morphodynamics of river systems; – collect, process and analyze satellite images of the Dniester channel for different years; – perform a comparative geoinformation analysis of the change in the planned configuration of the channel; – establish the main trends of channel processes, in particular areas of active erosion and accumulation; – summarize the results and form conclusions regarding the dynamics of the Dniester channel system. The object of research is the channel processes of the flat part of the Dniester River. The subject of the study is the processes of channel dynamics, their spatio-temporal features and methods of their assessment based on remote sensing and GIS data. The scientific novelty of the work consists in the complex application of satellite data of various types and sources in combination with deep GIS analysis for the assessment of channel processes of the Dniester, which allows obtaining highly accurate spatial models of changes in channel morphology. An important aspect is the involvement of long-term data, which provides the possibility of identifying long-term trends in channel dynamics and classifying key morphological changes. The practical significance of the work is determined by its ability to be used in the activities of environmental protection structures, water management bodies, institutions engaged in the design of engineering infrastructure, as well as in scientific research devoted to the dynamics of river systems and water resource management. The results of the analysis can serve as a basis for assessing the risks of channel deformations, planning measures to protect the coast, as well as for the formation of strategies for the harmonious development of coastal areas. Keywords: bed processes, erosion, monitoring, deformation, geographic information systems. References. 1. Shevchuk V. Methodology of monitoring rivers in urbanized areas / V. Shevchuk, H. Burshtynska // Geodesy, cartography and aerial photography. – 2011. – Issue . 75. – P. . 73-82. 2. (53) Burshtynska K., Hrytskiv N., Zayats I., Babiy L., Fijalkovska A., Bakula K. Monitoring of channel deformations of the Lower Dniester using topographic maps and satellite imagery with the implementation of GIS technologies. Water (Switzerland), 2024, Vol. 16, Iss. 15. 3. Burshtynska H., Babushka A., Dzyuba M. Analysis of the stability of the Svich riverbed in places of transition of fuel and energy infrastructure facilities. Modern advances in geodetic science and production. 2021. Issue. And (41). P. 132–139. 4. Burshtynska, K., Kokhan, S., Pfeifer, N., Halochkin, M., & Zayats, I. (2023). Hydrological Modeling for Determining Flooded Land from Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Images – Case Study at the Dniester River. Remote Sensing, 15(4), 1071. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs15041071. 5. Shevchuk V., Burshtynska K., Korolik I., Halochkin M. Monitoring of horizontal displacements and changes of the riverine area of the Dniester River. Journal of Water and Land Development, 2021, No. 49 (IV–V), 1–15. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24425/jwld.2021.137091.