ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing — Theme Issue “Remote Sensing and GIS for Coastal Ecosystem Assessment and Management”

Abstract

Coastal ecosystem management involves procedures of monitoring and modeling which require reliable information base and robust analytical technologies. Remote sensing and GIS, given their costeffectiveness and technological soundness, are increasingly being used to develop useful sources of information and to support decision making in connection with a wide array of coastal applications. Recent innovations in data, technologies, and theories in the wider arena of remote sensing and GIS have permitted scientists with invaluable opportunities to advance the study of the coastal environments. This theme issue focuses on the use and applications of remote sensing and GIS techniques to develop environmental indicators for coastal ecosystem assessment and management. Specifically, this issue addresses the following topics (but not limited to): Nearshore bathymetry, shoreline erosion, and coastal morphologic change Characterization, analysis, and modeling of changing landscape structure and patterns in coastal environments Coastal wetland mapping and change detection Watershed hydrological and nutrient modeling in coastal environments Remote sensing of coastal water quality (chlorophyll concentration, turbidity, TSS and others) Mapping seagrass, littoral aquatic vegetation, and benthic habitats Linking conditions in upstream watersheds to downstream estuaries for integrated assessment of the estuarine ecosystems Coastal ecosystem management case studies