Pafos Press 21 March 2025
An advanced high-precision study of water loss and sediment deposition at the Mavrokolympos Dam was presented at the International Conference on Remote Sensing and Environmental Geoinformatics (RSCy2025) , held in Cyprus.
The study was carried out by the ERATOSTENES Center of Excellence of the Cyprus University of Technology , utilizing an innovative methodology that combined Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) , UAV Systems and high-resolution satellite imagery to map and quantitatively assess changes in the dam.
The application of the TLS method allowed for the ultra-precise mapping of hydrological changes , especially after the critical failure of the dam's discharge pipeline in January 2025, accurately identifying the reduction in storage capacity due to water loss and sediment accumulation.
The results of the study have already been submitted to the Cyprus Water Development Department , aiming to strengthen the strategic management of dams and water resources , with an emphasis on risk prevention and the rational use of data.
The key findings of the research include:
- Accurate quantification of water loss after failure, with millimeter accuracy.
- Mapping of sediment deposition , recording the impacts on the long-term sustainability of the reservoir.
- Integrated approach with multi-sensory data (TLS – UAV – Satellites) that creates a new standard for monitoring water infrastructure.
Professor Diophantos Hadjimitsis , head of the research and Director of the ERATOSTENIS Center of Excellence, stated:
“Our study highlights how high-precision Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) is pioneering sediment deposition assessments. By integrating TLS, UAV and satellite data, we offer a comprehensive and reliable tool for the sustainable management of Cyprus’ water resources.”
This research paves the way for the use of modern technologies in dam management , constituting an example of good practice and a model for future applications in the management of critical situations by decision-making centers.
