Hydro-morphological classification of urban river sections based on LIDAR data

Abstract The assessment of hydro-morphological conditions is a part of ecological evaluation of water bodies. Many methods have been developed, but only a few of them are dedicated to urban rivers. Hydro-morphological classification would be a basis for river valley management, including restoration issue. One of the main problems in this assessment is the rate of change in urban catchment and urban river valley. Traditional methods, which are based on field study, are expensive and prolonged. The paper is focussed on using Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) data for classification of urban river sections. Although the assessment based on this data has some limitations, it is a good alternative to field study and may provide preliminary screen of the river valley. This material will make possible observation of river valley evolution in the future.