VMT Hydroacoustics Software

Description

VMT is a Matlab-based software for processing and visualizing ADCP data collected along transects in rivers or other bodies of water. VMT allows rapid processing, visualization, and analysis of a range of ADCP datasets and includes utilities to export ADCP data to files compatible with ArcGIS, Tecplot, and Google Earth. The software can be used to explore patterns of three-dimensional fluid motion through several methods for calculation of secondary flows (e.g. Rhoads and Kenworthy, 1998; Lane et al., 2000). The software also includes capabilities for analyzing the acoustic backscatter and bathymetric data from the ADCP. A user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI) enhances program functionality and provides ready access to two- and three- dimensional plotting functions, allowing rapid display and interrogation of velocity, backscatter, and bathymetry data.

Parsons, D.R., Jackson, P.R., Czuba, F.L., Engel, F.L., Rhoads, B.L., Oberg, K.A., Best, J.L., Mueller, D.S., Johnson, K.K., and Riley, J.D., 2013, Velocity Mapping Toolbox (VMT): a processing and visualization suite for moving-vessel ADCP measurements: Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, vol. 38, no. 11, 17 p., https://doi.org/10.1002/esp.3367

Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details

Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details

Versions

Software/Firmware Status Definitions

Required Minimum: Minimum version required. This version has proven stable and may contain enhancements that are significant over previous required versions.

Recommended: Shown to have been reliable and contains features that result in a recommended upgrade over the required version. There could be a few specific use cases where this version may have issues that would result in some users not using this version. If so, those cases will be noted.

Allowed*: Deemed reliable during initial testing. Any issues will be noted along with improvements available over prior versions. Use of allowed versions may be desired in cases when the changes benefit a significant number of the user's conditions or equipment. For example: a new version of software is released that adds support for new hardware. If the user has this hardware, they would need to upgrade to the newer software before it becomes recommended or required. Use of these versions by experienced users will also help OSW identify any unknown issues.

Testing*: OSW is currently testing; any known issues or advantages over prior release will be noted. The use of a version that is in testing should usually be limited to advanced users that can trouble shoot potential issues and provide feedback on any irregularities or problems observed.

Do Not Use: A version either prior to the required minimum or that contains issues that significantly affect operations.

*Note: A version may remain in Allowed or Testing indefinitely. Example: A new version is released while the prior version is still in Testing. In this case the prior version may remain in Testing, while future testing efforts are placed on the newer version.

How to Download the Software

The software is available both as compiled executables and source code. To access the compiled executables, click the links in the table below. The source code is housed in a GitHub repository, available here as a ZIP archive. To install, extract the contents of the ZIP file, ensuring that the folder structure in the file is preserved, and start VMT.m in Matlab version 2012a or newer. Note that to enable full functionality of VMT in source code mode, you will need the Mapping Toolbox license in your distribution of Matlab.

Using the Software and Tutorials

The following resources are available for using the VMT software.

• VMT Source Repository (Github)
• Tutorials and Example Data (Outdated, new versions coming soon!)
  • Tutorial #1 -- Generating ASCII output files in WinRiver II
  • Tutorial #2 -- Transect averaging and basic processing
  • Tutorial #3 -- Flow visualization through a reach
  • Tutorial #4 -- The ASCII2KML utility
  • Tutorial #5 -- The ASCII2GIS utility
• Example input data and output data may be downloaded for use with the above tutorials.
• Lecture Notes from VMT Short-course (Snowbird, 2012)
  • Introduction to Velocity Mapping
  • Velocity Survey Planning
  • Instrumentation, Gear, and Measurement Procedures
  • VMT Background & Applications
  • VMT Interface and Key Concepts
  • VMT Utilities
  • Limitations and Considerations in Velocity Mapping
  • The Future of VMT

Training: Velocity Mapping and Bathymetry with ADCPs

This week-long class is designed to provide ADCP users familiar with discharge measurements with the skills, resources, and techniques necessary for velocity mapping and bathymetry surveys with an ADCP. Students will learn how to plan and execute surveys through several days of classroom and field work. Students will learn to process the data they collected and visualize and export it in a range of formats for delivery to cooperators, modelers, and the general public.

Class Information: For details on the class, or to sign up for the next class session, see the links below or contact Ryan Jackson, Kevin Oberg, or Frank Engel.

• Current Hydroacoustic Training Schedule
• Software
  • VMT software
  • Matlab MCR v7.17
  • WinRiver II (version 2.04 or higher)
  • RDI Tools
  • A GPS navigation software such as Hypack, Fugawi, Global Mapper, or ArcGIS10
  • ArcGIS (version 10 preferred)

Selected References

Parsons, D.R., Jackson, P.R., Czuba, F.L., Engel, F.L., Rhoads, B.L., Oberg, K.A., Best, J.L., Mueller, D.S., Johnson, K.K., and Riley, J.D., 2013, Velocity Mapping Toolbox (VMT): a processing and visualization suite for moving-vessel ADCP measurements: Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, vol. 38, no. 11, 17 p., https://doi.org/10.1002/esp.3367

Lane, S.N., Bradbrook, K.F., Richards, K.S., Biron, P.M., and Roy, A.G., 2000, Secondary circulation cells in river channel confluences: Measurement artefacts or coherent flow structures?: Hydrololgical Processes, vol. 14, no. 11-12, p. 2047- 2071.

Rhoads, B.L., and Kenworthy, S.T.,1999, On secondary circulation, helical motion and Rozovskii-based analysis of time-averaged two-dimensional velocity fields at confluences: Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, vol. 24, no. 4, p 369-375.

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