About the project

Benchmark datasets have become increasingly widespread in the scientific community as a method of comparison, validation and improvement of theories and techniques, thanks also to more and more affordable means for sharing. While this holds true for test sites and data collected above the water, publicly accessible benchmark activities for geospatial analyses in the underwater environment are not very common. Among several reasons, the application of geomatic techniques underwater is still challenging and very expensive, especially when dealing with deep water and offshore operations. Moreover, benchmarking requires ground truth data for which, in water, several open issues exist, both geometric and radiometric. Recognising this scientific and technological challenge, the NAUTILUS (uNder And throUgh waTer datasets for geospatIaL stUdieS) project wants to set up a series of preparatory activities leading to the creation of a multi-sensor/cross-modality benchmark dataset. 

NAUTILUS activities: 

(i) conducting a survey through a questionnaire and interviews to collect actual needs and gaps in through and under the water geospatial applications,
(ii) launching a unique publicly available database collecting already existing datasets scattered across the web and literature,
(iii) designing and identifying proper test site(s) and methodologies to deliver to the extended underwater community a brand-new multi-sensor/cross- modality benchmark dataset. 

NAUTILUS  outcomes are expected  to benefit researchers and practitioners in underwater measurements related domains, as they will have access to a comprehensive tool providing a synthesis of open questions and data already available. Moreover, past research efforts to collect and publish datasets will receive additional credit and visibility. Finally, the design of a brand-new multi- sensor/cross-modality benchmark dataset will respond in a proven manner to the needs and gaps brought to light by the community itself.