An efficient algorithm for pothole detection using stereo vision

In this paper, a stereo vision based pothole detection system is proposed. Using the disparity map generated from an efficient disparity calculation algorithm, potholes can be detected by their distance from the fitted quadratic road surface. The system produces the size, volume and position of the potholes which allows the pothole repair to be prioritised according to its severity. The quadratic road surface model allows for camera orientation variation, road drainage and up/down hill gradients. Experimental results show robust detection in various scenarios.