This study explores the potential of joint use of terrestrial (TLS) and airborne laser scanning (ALS) to quantify rapid and spatially inhomogeneous changes to the subaerial beach and to characterize the intensity of coastal processes. This remote sensing technology that uses scanning laser pulses for acquiring high-resolution three-dimensional surface of the measured object is applied to beach segment of the Pirita Beach (Tallinn Bay, the Baltic Sea). The extent and distribution of erosion and accumulation spots are analyzed by means of creating and comparing two digital terrain models of these areas from scanning point clouds obtained in different seasons. After elimination of systematic errors the ALS/TLS combination yields sub-decimeter accuracy for height determination of the beach. The analysis reveals not only the corresponding volume changes in the study area but also several features of internal dynamics of the beach across and along the waterline that are overlooked by classical monitoring methods. The benefits and shortcomings of combining the two laser scanning methods for monitoring coastal processes and the accuracy of the results are also discussed.
The three Baltic States and other Baltic Sea countries (Denmark, Finland, Germany, Poland, Russia and Sweden) share over 8,000 km of shorelines. Estonia has a shoreline length of approximately 3800 km, due to many islands, bays, and peninsulas. Coast monitoring with traditional surveying methods would be time consuming and expensive. Remote sensing by means of airborne laser scanning (ALS) could be an alternative to traditional coastal surveying methods. Accordingly, the aim of the study is to determine whether ALS data can be used to quantify volume changes along shorelines. The case study utilizes ALS data acquired by the Estonian Land Board in 2008-2011. The ALS flights are conducted in different altitudes (yielding a varying point density) and seasons (spring, summer). Study shows also that accuracy of readily available ALS data products may not be suited for the most demanding applications. Certain computational principles and methods need to be applied for remove systematical biases between different ALS campaigns. The methods and algorithms that where developed and tested during this study yield sub-decimetre accuracy for detecting contemporary coastal processes. Thus, ALS data can be used as an alternative to traditional coastal monitoring methods.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.