PhD candidate Yue Ding (University of Western Australia) is investigating ‘Linear and Nonlinear 3D Semi-Lagrangian Motions of Moored Oceanographic Wave Buoys’, a critical area of research that aims to improve the reliability of ocean wave measurements under real-world conditions.
“My research focuses on separating and forecasting the nonlinear components in buoy motions using signal processing and machine learning,” Yue said. “This has practical implications for offshore technologies like wave energy converters and floating wind turbines, where accurate ocean data is vital.”
As her PhD progressed, Yue sought to expand her expertise beyond academia and apply her technical skills to a real-world setting. This led her to APR.Intern and a project with Advanced Navigation, an SME pioneering innovative solutions in subsea robotics and navigation. Founded on a culture of research and discovery, Advanced Navigation’s mission is to be the catalyst of the autonomy revolution.
During her internship, Yue worked on developing methods to improve the precision of underwater photogrammetry using Hydrus AUVs. The project involved analysing how acoustic references could be used to improve the scale accuracy of 3D reconstructions of underwater environments. Yue applied her Python programming skills and machine learning knowledge to analyse scaling errors and develop tools to support data accuracy. She also gained hands-on experience using Agisoft Metashape to construct and evaluate 3D photogrammetric models.
“The project on acoustic-based scaling of underwater photogrammetry particularly excited me because of its focus on marine robotics, image processing, and geospatial accuracy, areas that align with my passions,” Yue said. “I was involved in mission planning, setting up scale bars, and deploying the Hydrus AUV during boat trips. That hands-on exposure to data acquisition gave me a much deeper understanding of how real-world variables impact the data I’ve been analysing for years.
“Yue’s research at Advanced Navigation required her to become familiar with complex technical topics such as underwater range estimation and 3D photogrammetry in the marine environment. Although the technical content of the project was a significant departure from Yue’s PhD, she rapidly developed a thorough working understanding of the concepts involved. Yue then diligently applied her analytical skills to reveal useful insights from data collected by Advanced Navigation. The findings from Yue’s research will be applied to a novel method for monocular scaling of underwater 3D scenes. The application of this work provides significant value in many underwater inspection and survey applications. A notable example is the monitoring of coral reefs, where this technology allows researchers to efficiently track coral growth and evaluate overall reef health.” — Alex Tennant, Head of Sub-sea R&D at Advanced Navigation
“My proudest moment was being able to link real-world measurements with analytical outcomes, enhancing my programming and statistical interpretation skills in the process,” Yue said.
Yue envisions herself working as a technical specialist in ocean engineering, particularly in the integration of machine learning and autonomous underwater systems.
“This internship has confirmed that I want to work at the frontier of ocean technology—where research meets real-world impact,” she said. “The experience gave me a solid foundation, not only technically, but also professionally, for the career I want to build.”
Yue is part of the next generation of engineers helping to advance marine sustainability in Australia and beyond.
Yue Ding is completing a PhD from The University of Western Australia.
Yue was a recipient of the WiSE and DSC subsidies.
