Real-Time Monitoring of Spatial Distribution of Nearshore Hydrodynamics through Multi-Modal Sensor Fusion
This project aims to develop a reliable and scalable monitoring framework that fuses underwater acoustic sensing, shore-based LiDAR and reference measurements to reconstruct a replicable reference model that would continuously monitor nearshore waves and water levels across space and time.
Floating buoys and single-point underwater instruments cover only small areas and are costly to maintain. Without a real-time picture across the nearshore zone, it is harder to anticipate hazardous events, understand the impact of waves’ on coastal structures, and gauge maintenance costs effectively.
Research Approach
- A modular monitoring network will combine acoustic modems,
seabed acoustic Doppler current profilers, nearshore receivers,
shore-mounted LiDAR and point buoys. - Propagation modelling, inversion, distributed data fusion and
AI will estimate wave heights and water levels in real time,
transmit important events efficiently and indicate confidence in
each estimate. - Validation will progress from controlled wave-tank tests to
larger wave-basin experiments and field deployments in
Singapore, alongside an end-to-end pipeline for sensing,
processing, visualisation and standardised data access.
Why This Matters
- Provides high-resolution, real-time awareness of nearshore conditions across a wider area.
- Supports situational awareness and informs coastal planning and day-to-day operational decisions.
- Helps agencies to evaluate coastal-defence performance, prioritise maintenance and plan long-term resilience investments.
- Establishes a replicable model for continuous coastal monitoring in other locations.
Meet the Team
Meet the team behind the Real-Time Monitoring of Spatial Distribution of Nearshore Hydrodynamics through Multi-Modal Sensor Fusion project.
Principal Investigator (PI):
Assistant Professor Yin Xunyuan
Nanyang Technological University, School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology
Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute (NEWRI)
Download CFI's project booklet for more information on each project
CFI Singapore Tranche 1 and 2
If you wish to reach out regarding a specific project, please email CFI Singapore at cfisg@nus.edu.sg