Diksha Aggarwal

Ms. Diksha Aggarwal

Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
12 September 2025 in Remote Sensing
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Diksha AggarwalDiksha Aggarwal
Diksha Aggarwal
Suyog GautamSuyog Gautam
Suyog Gautam
DWDaniel Whitehurst
Daniel Whitehurst
KKKevin Kochersberger
Kevin Kochersberger
Natural disasters often result in significant damage to infrastructure, generating vast amounts of debris in towns and water bodies. Timely post-disaster damage assessment is critical for enabling swift cleanup and recovery efforts. This study presents a combination of methods to efficiently estimate and analyze debris on land and on water. Specifically, analyses were conducted at Claytor Lake and Damascus, Virginia where flooding occurred as a result of Hurricane Helene on 27 September 2024. We use the Phoenix U15 motor glider equipped with the GoPro Hero 9 camera to collect aerial imagery. Orthomosaic images and 3D maps are generated using OpenDroneMap (ODM) software, version 3.5.6, providing a detailed view of the affected areas. For lake debris estimation, we employ a hybrid approach integrating machine learning-based tools and traditional techniques. Lake regions are isolated using segmentation methods, and the debris area is estimated through a combination of color thresholding and edge detection. The debris is classified based on the thickness and a volume range of debris is presented based on the data provided by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ). In Damascus, debris estimation is achieved by comparing pre-disaster LiDAR data (2016) with post-disaster 3D ODM data. Furthermore, we conduct flood modeling using the Hydrologic Engineering Center’s River Analysis System (HEC-RAS) to simulate disaster impacts, estimate the flood water depth, and support urban planning efforts. The proposed methodology demonstrates the ability to deliver accurate debris estimates in a time-sensitive manner, providing valuable insights for disaster management and environmental recovery initiatives.

1 January 2024
Verified
Book Chapter
Closed access
PDF file
Diksha AggarwalDiksha Aggarwal
Diksha Aggarwal
AGAnish Gorantiwar
Anish Gorantiwar
RSRaghavendra Naidu S.
Raghavendra Naidu S.
TYTamim Younos
Tamim Younos