3D modeling for visual monitoring of water bodies in the area of a drying sea or river: A case study of the Volga river

This article examines the application of 3D modeling for the rapid filtering and visualization of in situ bathymetric and topographic survey data collected by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in newly formed shallow water bodies with unknown bathymetry and water quality, located within receding zones of drying seas or rivers—using the Volga River as a case study. The desiccation of rivers and seas poses a significant threat to aquatic and marine ecosystems, leading to declines in fish populations due to the loss of spawning and overwintering habitats, the destruction of habitats for aquatic and semi-aquatic flora and fauna, and the disruption of food chains. These processes ultimately result in the extinction of species dependent on riverine water abundance, shifts in coastal biodiversity, and the progressive degradation of aquatic ecosystems. The results demonstrate that the proposed approach enhances the speed and accuracy of dredging- related calculations by 15–20%, thereby strengthening the protection of marine biodiversity and making a substantial contribution to its conservation.