CORSTITCH - A free, open source software for stitching and georeferencing underwater coral reef videos

TL;DR

CorStitch is an open-source tool that automates the creation of georeferenced coral reef mosaics from underwater videos, enabling detailed spatial analysis with validated accuracy.

Contribution

The paper introduces CorStitch, a novel open-source software that automates reef mosaic creation using Fourier-based image correlation and integrates with GIS tools.

Findings

Consistent performance across different surveys

High accuracy in georeferencing

Compatibility with GIS platforms like Google Earth

Abstract

CorStitch is an open-source software developed to automate the creation of accurate georeferenced reef mosaics from video transects obtained through Automated Rapid Reef Assessment System surveys. We utilized a Fourier-based image correlation algorithm to stitch sequential video frames, aligning them with synchronized GNSS timestamps. The resulting compressed Keyhole Markup Language files, compatible with geographic information systems such as Google Earth, enable detailed spatial analysis. Validation through comparative analysis of mosaics from two temporally distinct surveys of the same reef demonstrated the software's consistent and reliable performance.