The Use of Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) in Dune Ecosystems: The Lessons Learned

Abstract

I www.JCRonline.oi Feagin, R.A.; Williams, A.M.; Popescu, S.; Stukey, J., and Washington-Allen, R.A., 2014. The use of terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) in dune ecosystems: the lessons learned. Journal of Coastal Research, 30(1), 111-119. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.This paper presents a methodology for using terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) to quantify sand dune geomorphology. As an example of the use of TLS, we present methods that were used to investigate changes in sediment and vegetation volumes after Hurricane Ike. We collected TLS data within a 100 m X 100 m plot on the East Matagorda Peninsula, Texas, from early September 2008 (before landfall) to early October 2009 (a year after landfall). Terrestrial laser scanning-collected laser point clouds were then interpolated into several grid sizes. From several interpolated grid sizes, 0.50 m X 0.50 m grids were determined best for analysis as they were able to compromise two competing resolutionrelated issues: gaps caused hy vegetation shadows and the natural contours of the dune. We outline several additional lessons to aid coastal researchers in strengthening their own future work: the use of reference survey stakes in an unstahle environment, the development of a novel method to test for errors in point cloud registration among multiple dates, how hest to interpret sediment and vegetation change analysis as derived from interpolated grids, and suggestions for incorporating mass-based sedimentary and biomass-based vegetation field studies within the volumetric context of TLS analysis.

A review of field methods to survey coastal dunes—experience based on research from South Baltic coast

“…The TLS measurement error depends on the accuracy of the reading device and on its type; it is usually less than 3 mm. The scanner device transmission error may be lower than 0.017 cm (Feagin et al 2012;Montreuil et al 2013b). The mobile devices mounted on vehicles can shorten the measurement time of research conducted mainly on the beach (flat surface, easy to drive).…”

“…The point data set of Bcloud data^of the collected x, y, z variables can be imported into various software packages including GIS or other software. The laser scanner can be used to measure seasonal relief changes of embryo dunes or dune fronts (Feagin et al 2012;Montreuil et al 2013a, b). The best use of this device is on the beach and upper beach with foredune slope, where plants do not disturb the data collection (Fig.…”

Quantification and implications of change in organic carbon bearing coastal dune cliffs: A multiscale analysis from the Northumberland coast, UK

“…In rare considerations of post-storm behaviour there have been conflicting results. Feagin et al (2012) demonstrate rapid recovery potential over several months following hurricane erosion, whereas Suanez, Cariolet, Cancouët, Ardhuin, and Delacourt (2012) identify an ongoing recovery period where hydrodynamic changes to the post-storm system result in a secondary development stage and an altered equilibrium beach profile over a two year recovery period.…”

“…Feagin et al (2012) discuss both the potential and the limitations of TLS surveys for quantifying and monitoring dune systems. Using apparently stable features, concordant across survey datasets, dune changes were identified beyond standard error ranges of sub-metre to sub-decimetre.…”

“…Therefore, changes in dune cliffs need to be considered over a range of spatial and temporal scales (Feagin, Williams, Popescu, Stukey, & Washington-Allen, 2012). The aim of this paper is to quantify the rates and mechanisms of change in a monitored section of coastal dune cliffs and to consider the implications for understanding dune cliff behaviour, sensitivity to environmental processes and potential contribution to the coastal carbon flux.…”