Protecting Our Coastlines: Monitoring Shoreline Erosion and Change in North Carolina

Introduction

North Carolina's stunning coastline is a precious natural resource, attracting millions of visitors each year and supporting vibrant communities. However, the state's coast faces numerous challenges, especially in the wake of increasingly extreme weather events like hurricanes. Rising sea levels, powerful storms, and shoreline erosion threaten the delicate balance of this beautiful environment. To safeguard our coast and plan effective mitigation and restoration initiatives, it is essential to employ advanced technologies such as high-resolution mapping and LiDAR to monitor shoreline erosion and change. Through persistent monitoring, coastal scientists can develop better resilience strategies to hasten community rebound efforts before/after major weather events.

The Challenges We Face

North Carolina's coast is incredibly vulnerable to the effects of climate change and extreme weather events. Hurricanes are a frequent occurrence, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and storm surges that can severely erode shorelines. Rising sea levels, driven by global climate change, exacerbate the problem, gradually eating away at our valuable coastal habitats. These challenges demand proactive solutions to ensure the long-term sustainability of our coastline.

As Hurricane Idalia swept through the state recently, Geo Owl’s UAS team captured some still images before and after the storm surge near already imperiled houses and infrastructure. 

Geo Owl’s Director of UAS Operations, Kerry Mapes, GISP, PMP, CGP-G, notes:

"It is evident in these photos that there has been sand movement, but photos alone do not allow us to accurately quantify how much, or precise areas where sand has been eroded or deposited. This information is extremely important for coastal engineers, for example, as it allows them to properly plan for beach renourishments, design of coastal infrastructure, and coastal planning and zoning, among other things which are critical to North Carolina’s environmental security. To better understand the precise impacts of a specific storm event or long-term changes, we rely on advanced technologies, such as drones and LiDAR sensors.”

High-Resolution Mapping: A Powerful Tool

High-resolution mapping is a vital component of our efforts to monitor shoreline erosion and change. This technology employs state-of-the-art sensors, including satellites and drones, to capture detailed images of coastal areas. These images reveal changes in topography, land use, and vegetation over time. By comparing historical data with current imagery, scientists and experts can precisely track erosion rates and the impact of storms.

LiDAR: Shedding Light on the Problem

LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is another indispensable tool in our arsenal against shoreline erosion. This remote sensing technology uses laser pulses to measure the distance between the sensor and the Earth's surface, creating highly accurate elevation models. LiDAR data allows for a comprehensive understanding of coastal topography, including subtle changes that might not be apparent through traditional methods.

Utilizing High-Resolution Mapping and LiDAR

Erosion Assessment: High-resolution mapping and LiDAR enable us to assess the extent of erosion accurately. By analyzing historical data alongside current information, we can pinpoint areas most affected by erosion and prioritize them for intervention.

Storm Impact Analysis: Hurricanes and extreme weather events can cause significant damage to coastlines. High-resolution mapping and LiDAR help us quickly assess the impact of such events, allowing for swift response and recovery efforts.

Planning Mitigation and Restoration Initiatives: Armed with precise data on shoreline erosion and change, coastal management authorities can develop targeted mitigation and restoration initiatives. These strategies may include beach nourishment, dune restoration, and the construction of hard infrastructure to protect vulnerable areas.

Long-Term Monitoring: Coastal erosion is an ongoing process. High-resolution mapping and LiDAR provide the means to continuously monitor changes, allowing for adaptive management strategies that can evolve as the coastline shifts.

A Collaborative Effort

Protecting North Carolina's coast is a collective effort that requires collaboration among government agencies, scientists, local communities, environmental organizations, and private business. Geo Owl assists stakeholders in collecting and analyzing high-accuracy, high-resolution imagery, and LiDAR data to rapidly assess ground data for routine monitoring purposes or before and after extreme weather events, such as Hurricane Idalia. By harnessing the power of high-resolution mapping and LiDAR technology, we assist stakeholders in making informed decisions and implement effective strategies to safeguard our coastline, resources, and critical infrastructure including military bases.

Conclusion

The challenges posed by shoreline erosion and extreme weather events in North Carolina are significant, but not insurmountable. With the aid of high-resolution mapping and LiDAR technology, we have the tools to monitor and respond to these threats effectively. By taking a proactive approach and prioritizing conservation efforts around critical infrastructure and natural resources, we can ensure that North Carolina's beautiful coastline remains for generations to come. 

If you or your organization are interested in how Geo Owl can assist with your shoreline mapping efforts or additional drone projects, please contact drones@geoowl.com or visit our UAS services page here.