Year-end Sale % OFF 
Abstract
In the past few years, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) have achieved great popularity for civil uses. One of the present main uses of these devices is low-cost aerial photogrammetry, being especially useful in coastal environments. In this work, a high-resolution 3D model of a beach section in Guardamar del Segura (Spain) has been produced by employing a low maximum takeoff mass (MTOM) UAS, in combination with the use of structure-from-motion (SfM) techniques. An unprecedented extensive global navigation satellite system (GNSS) survey was simultaneously carried out to statistically validate the model by employing 1238 control points for that purpose. The results show good accuracy, obtaining a vertical root mean square error (RMSE) mean value of 0.121 m and a high point density, close to 30 pt/m2, with similar or even higher quality than most coastal surveys performed with classical techniques. UAS technology permits the acquisition of topographic data with low time-consuming surveys at a high temporal frequency. Coastal managers can implement this methodology into their workflow to study the evolution of complex, highly anthropized dune-beach systems such as the one presented in this study, obtaining more accurate surveys at lower costs.
Highlights
The coastal dune ecosystems located in arid climate regions represent a unique biotope because of the mutual influence between marine and terrestrial systems
The orthoimage created using the unmanned aerial systems (UAS) imagery and the digital surface models (DSM) showed a spatial resolution of 2.5 cm/pixel, precise enough to observe footprints left on sand dunes
The dune-beach system of Guardamar del Segura has proven to be an exceptional testing site for the methodology presented in the present article
Summary
The coastal dune ecosystems located in arid climate regions represent a unique biotope because of the mutual influence between marine and terrestrial systems. Due to its good climate, together with the great number and length of its beaches, the Spanish Mediterranean coast constitutes one of the most important attractions for domestic and international mass tourism, exploiting the “sun and beach” tourism model [1]. For those reasons, a precise understanding of the beach-dune ecosystems is critical, as they are dynamic areas subject to rapid changes. The reduced resolution of the field data often makes it difficult to obtain accurate volumetric measurements of the dune system
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
