Coastal Dune Eco-geomorphology: sUAS Applications and Opportunities

Smith, Alex; Lunardi, Brianna; George, Elizabeth; Lehner, Jacob; Houser, Chris

doi:10.1007/978-3-031-01976-0_10

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 119 publications

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“…The Apple LIDAR penetrates through the vegetation and allows for laser returns from the bare sand, ultimately rendering a more accurate bare earth DEM. This method may be a useful alternative to terrestrial laser scanning and airborne LiDAR for researchers that are focused on ecogeomorphic changes in foredune environments, particularly related to aeolian transport and other ne-scale geomorphic processes [35,36,37]. While our study clearly demonstrates utility of the Apple LiDAR as an alternative method to sUAS for generating full-coverage beach and foredune DEMs, it also reveals potential for other less spatially comprehensive dataset options that might be useful for long-term monitoring or rapid change assessments.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Comparative analysis of sandy beach and foredune geomorphic change measurements from Apple LiDAR and small-unoccupied aerial systems

Burchi,

Theuerkauf

2024

Preprint

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Sandy beach and foredune environments are common throughout the Great Lakes region and world. Coastal landscapes are dynamic and vulnerable due to water level fluctuations, high-energy storm events, and human disturbance. Standard methods for measuring geomorphic transformations over time include small-unoccupied aircraft systems (sUAS), but it is costly and spatiotemporally limited. To document the utility of the Apple LiDAR for coastal mapping, we quantitatively evaluated the accuracy of Apple’s light imaging detection and ranging (LiDAR) scanner in comparison to high precision RTK-GPS paired with sUAS to map geomorphic change at Port Crescent State Park in Lake Huron. Benchmark elevations were measured via RTK-GPS and the sUAS and Apple LiDAR elevation measurements were compared to these benchmark elevations to calculate percent errors. Low percent errors were documented, which allowed for further analysis of spatial differences between the two methods in both mapping morphology at a single instance in time as well as change over several months (in response to wave events). Spatial patterns are consistent between the DEMs, and large geomorphic transformations, such as the formation of a berm, were detected in both DODs. Differences between the two survey elevation models arise due to the Apple LiDAR’s capability to detect the finer-scale sandy contours with the foredune, suggesting the scanner can be used to map in areas with rugged topography and/or vegetation presence. Coastal managers can utilize the Apple LiDAR as an accessible way to map geomorphic change quickly and accurately, which can promote the development of proactive and resilient management plans.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Comparative analysis of sandy beach and foredune geomorphic change measurements from Apple LiDAR and small-unoccupied aerial systems

Burchi,

Theuerkauf

2024

Preprint

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“…It is possible that the Apple lidar may be able to render a more accurate bare earth DEM in these minimally vegetated areas than sUAS, however, additional processing of the point cloud would be needed to ensure removal of vegetation. The Apple lidar may be a useful alternative to terrestrial laser scanning and airborne lidar for researchers that are focused on ecogeomorphic changes in foredune environments, particularly related to aeolian transport and other fine-scale geomorphic processes [38][39][40] . Additional work is needed to document the capabilities and limitations of using the Apple lidar to map bare earth in these vegetated areas.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Comparative analysis of sandy beach and foredune geomorphic change measurements from Apple lidar and small-unoccupied aerial systems

Burchi,

Theuerkauf

2024

Sci Rep

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Sandy beach and foredune environments are common throughout coastlines globally. Coastal landscapes are dynamic and vulnerable to water level fluctuations, storm events, and human disturbances. Standard methods for measuring geomorphic changes include small-unoccupied aircraft systems paired with structure-from-motion photogrammetry (sUAS-SfM), but this can be costly and logistically challenging. We evaluated the accuracy of Apple lidar in comparison to high precision sUAS-SfM and RTK-GPS to map sandy beach and foredune geomorphic change. Checkpoint elevations were measured via RTK-GPS and both the sUAS-SfM and Apple lidar surveyed elevations were compared against these checkpoints to evaluate the performance of both methods for measuring elevations. The sUAS-SfM elevation data were on average around 0.004 m above/below the checkpoint elevations while the Apple Lidar elevations were around 0.039 m. Apple lidar and sUAS-SfM-derived volumetric measurements and spatial patterns of erosion and accretion were compared to evaluate the Apple lidar’s ability to detect geomorphic change over time. The geomorphic changes documented from these two methods were similar though the Apple lidar appeared to capture finer-scale erosion and accretion patterns. Our findings indicate that the Apple lidar can capture sandy beach and foredune geomorphic changes rapidly and accurately, which can promote proactive and resilient coastal management.

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Assessing the impact of hurricane Fiona on the coast of PEI National Park and implications for the effectiveness of beach-dune management policies

Davidson-Arnott,

Ollerhead,

George

et al. 2024

J Coast Conserv

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The impact of waves, storm surge, and aeolian transport associated with Post-tropical Storm Fiona (offshore significant wave height ∽ 8 m, storm surge up to 2 m) on the sandy beaches and foredunes of the north shore of Prince Edward Island National Park (PEINP), Canada, are assessed. Management policies and practices, as they apply to sandy beach systems within PEINP, are reviewed in the context of the shoreline changes attributed to Fiona. The effectiveness of these policies and practices are evaluated to inform the potential performance of beach-foredune systems as natural protection measures that mitigate the impacts of large-magnitude storms and relative sea-level rise (RSLR) on shoreline change. The analyses utilise survey data, ground photography, and unoccupied aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery collected before (October 2021 to July 2022) and after (October 2022 and May 2023) Fiona. In general, the largest dunes were characterised by erosion of the stoss slope, with landward retreat of the dune toe by < 6 m and minimal impact on crest height and position. Small foredunes (< 5 m in height) generally showed significantly greater erosion in terms of dune profiles, with dune breaching occurring at some locations. Foredunes perched on bedrock and till, which were typically smallest in size, were subject to complete erosion, thereby exposing the hard underlying surface. Overall, the impact of Fiona on sandy beach systems in PEINP was relatively modest in many locations, reflecting the success of existing management policies and practices that protect and maintain the integrity of foredunes by minimizing human impacts and avoiding ‘coastal squeeze’.

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Coastal Dune Eco-geomorphology: sUAS Applications and Opportunities

Cited by 3 publications

References 119 publications

Comparative analysis of sandy beach and foredune geomorphic change measurements from Apple LiDAR and small-unoccupied aerial systems

Comparative analysis of sandy beach and foredune geomorphic change measurements from Apple LiDAR and small-unoccupied aerial systems

Comparative analysis of sandy beach and foredune geomorphic change measurements from Apple lidar and small-unoccupied aerial systems

Assessing the impact of hurricane Fiona on the coast of PEI National Park and implications for the effectiveness of beach-dune management policies

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