Method of image analysis in the process of assessment of ice occurrences

The authors present the method of assessing the percentage of coverage of surface of the river by ice occurrences. This article concentrates on image analysis methods applied to assess the percentage of coverage of a waterway by ice occurrences. A decision, whether to stop navigation depends on an accurate calculation of amounts of ice floe and overall atmospheric conditions. For this purpose closed-circuit video camera images converted with the use of a set of edge detecting filters and subjected to quantitative analysis have been used. The correct assessment of ice occurrences may positively influence the navigation itself, as well as help in planning the use of inland waterways in transportation process.