UAS as tools for rapid detection of storm-induced morphodynamic changes at Camposoto beach, SW Spain

Abstract

The increasing pressures and hazards derived from human action and climate change make the implementation of coastal monitoring plans a requirement for assessing coastal responses and evolution. For this reason, this work aims to use unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in combination with Structure from Motion algorithms for detecting morphodynamic changes caused by a storm in Camposoto beach (SW Spain). This approach provided pre- and post-storm digital elevation models of the study area with root mean square vertical errors of 6.89 and 5.54 cm, respectively, that allowed the identification of storm-induced gain and loss of sediment using Geomorphic Change Detection software. Furthermore, it also captured the response of the system against the action of specific marine processes such as storm-induced swash, collision, and overwash. The results obtained highlight the importance of an optimum flight plan design (e.g. the use of 85–75% front and side image overlap, respectively) and enhance the suitability of the UAS technology to satisfy the demands and needs in coastal monitoring studies in comparison with the traditional techniques, namely aerial photogrammetry, satellite imagery, and/or light detection and ranging.