What is the depth limitation for photo bathymetry in measuring water depth?

The depth limitation for photobathymetry in measuring water depth is commonly understood to be around 30 meters. This technique relies on capturing images of the seafloor through the water, where light attenuation due to the water column affects how much light reaches the bottom. Factors such as water clarity, wavelength of light, and the angle of sunlight can significantly impact the effectiveness of photobathymetry as depth increases. Beyond this 30-meter mark, the increasing water depth typically results in reduced visibility and less accurate measurements because less light penetrates deeper water, making it difficult to achieve reliable data. Therefore, a limit of 30 meters helps to ensure that the measurements derived from photobathymetric techniques remain valid and accurate for practical applications in hydrographic surveying.