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Previous studies of shorelines have relied on satellite imagery or airplane‐based aerial photography, which can be costly, of limited availability, and of restricted resolution. These factors limit the usefulness of such imagery for detailed shoreline‐change measurements that require frequent observations with high spatial accuracy. Easily deployed balloon‐based photography systems can provide high spatial and temporal resolution images at relatively low cost. This study used an Aerostat balloon photography system along with real‐time kinematic (RTK) GPS to observe subannual changes in the shoreline position of the Albemarle‐Pamlico Estuarine System (APES), North Carolina, USA. The fine (0.03 m‐pixel) resolution of Aerostat images is ideal for mapping shoreline areas although limited in spatial extent. Features digitized from these images compare well in position (0.5 ± 0.5 m) and accuracy (± 0.4 m) to in situ RTK‐GPS surveys. The balloon system is best used concurrently with RTK‐GPS surveys to obtain the highest possible georectification accuracy. Results demonstrate that this method is well suited to high‐accuracy analysis of shoreline positions over short timescales (annual to subannual), and that the balloon images provide a valuable spatial context for any measured changes. Preliminary analysis of shoreline change across the APES highlights great spatial and temporal complexity. Annualized rates of change reached >30 m/y, but average net changes were modest for survey periods (−0.5 m to 0.04 m). Tropical systems (e.g., Hurricane Earl) can be key drivers of the observed shoreline response, and the associated sediment dynamics likely have important ecological (e.g., submerged‐aquatic‐vegetation and water quality) ramifications.

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