TRACK 2, DAY 1
Sky to Surface
Jenny Hill, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)
Tuesday, March 31, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. | Hall F
ABSTRACT
This presentation outlines practical workflows for integrating aerial and bathymetric drone data to support hydrologic and hydraulic model calibration in stormwater and wetland systems. The applications span restored natural channels, new wetlands, natural ponds, and stormwater ponds, combining multispectral aerial imaging with sonar-based bathymetry to produce high-resolution datasets for analysis in as small-scale HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, SWMM, and QGIS.
Aerial surveys captured seasonal changes in vegetation and soil moisture, generated topography through photogrammetry, and were applied to supervised land-cover classification for parameterisation of curve numbers.
Bathymetric mapping using a small un-crewed surface vehicle provided depth and sediment-surface data across multiple pond and wetland types, supporting evaluation of storage volume, sedimentation, and vegetation succession.
These drone-based methods offer high temporal flexibility, lower cost, and the ability to capture sub-metre detail at small, vegetated sites. However, they require alignment and ground control, additional post-processing time, and can be affected by site and weather conditions.
The presentation will demonstrate how aerial and aquatic datasets can improve representation of wetland and stormwater system dynamics, enhance model calibration, and support adaptive management.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER
Jenny Hill, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)
Jenny Hill is an environmental scientist and landscape professional specializing in ecological restoration, hydrologic modelling, landscape and applied geospatial analysis. She works with the TRCA, supporting watershed planning and data-driven resilience initiatives.
Jenny holds a PhD in Ecological Engineering from the University of Toronto and has over 15 years of experience in stormwater management, landscape design, and green infrastructure.
Her recent independent research, supported by the Landscape Architecture Canada Foundation and the British Ecological Society, integrates aerial photogrammetry, multispectral imaging, and bathymetric mapping to improve calibration of HEC-HMS and SWMM models for wetlands, ponds, and restored channels.
A licensed landscape architect and certified drone pilot, Jenny focuses on creating practical workflows that connect field observation and remote sensing with stormwater and restoration performance assessment.