Synthetic image generation of shallow water using an iterative, layered radiative transfer model with realistic water surface waves

Modeled hyperspectral reflectance signatures just above the water surface are obtained from an analytical-based, iterative radiative transport model applicable to shallow water types. Light transport within the water body is simulated using a fast, accurate radiative transfer model that calculates the light distribution in any layered media. A realistic water surface is synthesized using empirically-based spectral models of the ocean surface to generate water surface waves. Images are displayed as 24 bit RGB images of the water surface using selected channels from a synthetic hyperspectral image cube. The selected channels are centered at 490, 530 and 676 nm. Hyperspectral image cubes with two horizontal spatial dimensions and a third spectral dimension are shown to allow the detection of optically unresolved features in the two-dimensional RGB image.