Kriging interpolation of bathymetric data for 3D model of the Bay of Pozzuoli (Italy)

Bathymetric data acquired by a single beam echo-sounder, as well as those derived by a navigational chart, require interpolation procedure to pass from cloud point dataset to continuous tridimensional representation. Among different algorithms available in GIS software, Kriging interpolators are very powerful tools to process bathymetric data. This paper aims to analyze the accuracy levels that can be reached using Kriging. Bathymetric information included in two Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) of the Bay of Pozzuoli (nominal scale 1:30.000) is used for digital 3D model of this area. Interpolation processes are performed in GIS environment (software: ArcGIS 10.3.1, including the extension Geostatistical Analyst, by ESRI); the achieved results are analyzed by varying the choice of the mathematic function for semi-variogram. The experiments carried out in this study demonstrate how the careful choice of the semi-variogram model can help to increase the accuracy of the interpolation process.