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"Monitoring Coastal
Environment Using
Remote Sensing and GIS
Application in Coastal
Management"
Introduction
• Coastal areas are dynamic and
fragile ecosystems that are
under increasing pressure from
human activities and climate
change
• Remote sensing and GIS are
powerful tools that can be used
to monitor coastal environments
and support coastal
management
Coastal Zone
• The coastal zone refers to the
dynamic interface between
land and sea, encompassing the
area where terrestrial and
marine environments interact.
It extends from the shoreline
inland to the point where
influences from the ocean are
no longer significant.
Coastal zone: Vital role for life
• Biodiversity: Home to diverse
ecosystems and species.
• Economic Value: Drive industries,
tourism, and trade.
• Climate Resilience: Act as buffers
and carbon sinks.
• Cultural Significance: Rich in
heritage and livelihoods.
 Remote
Sensing
• Remote sensing is the acquisition of
information about an object or area
from a distance, without coming
into physical contact with it
• This can be done using a variety of
sensors, such as satellites, aircraft,
and ground-based sensors
• Remote sensing data can be used to
track changes in coastal features
over time, such as shoreline
changes, sea level rise, and land use
change
Mechanism of
Remote Sensing
• Sensors: Satellite or aerial sensors capture data.
• Data Transmission: Data transmitted to ground
stations.
• Image Processing: Images processed for GIS
data.
• Analysis: GIS integrates and analyzes data.
• Coastal Monitoring: Tracks changes in shoreline,
erosion, pollution, and habitat health.
• Benefits: Provides real-time data for informed
decisions and sustainable coastal management.

This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY.

Mechanism of Remote Sensing
 GIS
• GIS (Geographic information system) is a computer-based system for
storing, retrieving, analyzing, and displaying spatial data
• GIS can be used to integrate data from different sources, such as
remote sensing data, topographic maps, and land use data
• GIS can be used to create maps and models of coastal areas, which
can be used to support coastal management decisions
• Shoreline changes
• Sea level rise
• Land use change
• Water quality
• Vegetation cover
• Sediment transport
• Coastal erosion
 GIS
• Remote sensing data can be expensive and time-consuming to acquire

• GIS software can be complex to use

• Remote sensing and GIS data may not be available for all coastal areas

• Remote sensing data can be used to track the rate of shoreline retreat, which
can be an indicator of coastal erosion

• This information can be used to develop strategies to protect coastal areas from
erosion, such as beach nourishment or seawalls

• GIS can be used to map coastal hazards, such as areas that are at risk of
flooding or erosion

• This information can be used to develop strategies to mitigate these hazards,

such as building seawalls or levees

• GIS can be used to assess the vulnerability of coastal areas to climate change
impacts, such as sea level rise and storm surge
 GIS
• This information can be used to
develop strategies to adapt to
these impacts, such as relocating
coastal communities or developing
early warning systems
 GIS can be used to integrate data from different sources, such as remote
sensing data, topographic maps, and land use data. This information can
be used to create maps and models of coastal areas, which can be used
to support coastal management decisions.
GIS
Applications For example, GIS can be used to create a map of coastal erosion hazards.
in Coastal This map can be used to identify areas that are at risk of erosion, and to
develop strategies to protect these areas.
Management
GIS can also be used to create a model of coastal water quality. This
model can be used to predict the effects of different pollution control
measures, and to help to identify the best way to protect coastal water
quality.
Environmental
Impact
Assessment

• Before any coastal

development project, an
environmental impact
assessment is crucial.
Remote sensing and GIS
assist in predicting and
mitigating potential
impacts.

This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY.

Habitat
Mapping
• Remote sensing and GIS can
be used to map coastal
habitats such as mangroves,
seagrasses, and coral reefs.
This information is vital for
habitat conservation and
restoration efforts.

Fishing Ground Bay of Bengasl

Shoreline • Remote sensing can be used to track changes in the
shoreline over time. This can be used to identify areas that

Changes are eroding or accreting, and to monitor the effects of

coastal management measures.
Sea Level
Rise
• Remote sensing can be
used to measure sea level
rise. This information can
be used to identify areas
that are at risk of
flooding, and to develop
strategies to protect
these areas.
Land Use
Change
• Remote sensing can be used to
track changes in land use in
coastal areas. This information
can be used to identify areas
that are being developed or
degraded, and to monitor the
effects of coastal management
measures.
Water
Quality
• Remote sensing can be
used to monitor water
quality in coastal areas.
This information can be
used to identify areas
that are polluted or
contaminated, and to track
the effectiveness of
pollution control measures.
Vegetation Cover
• Remote sensing can be used to
monitor vegetation cover in coastal
areas. This information can be
used to identify areas that are
being degraded or restored, and to
track the effects of coastal
management measures.
Sediment Transport
• Remote sensing can be used to
monitor sediment transport in coastal
areas. This information can be used
to identify areas that are at risk
of erosion, and to develop strategies
to protect these areas.
Coastal • Remote sensing can be used to monitor coastal erosion. This

Erosion
information can be used to identify areas that are eroding,
and to develop strategies to protect these areas.
Coastal Flooding
• Remote sensing can be used to monitor
coastal flooding. This information can
be used to identify areas that are at
risk of flooding, and to develop
strategies to protect these areas.
Coastal Hazards
Mapping

• GIS can be used to create maps

of coastal hazards, such as
erosion, flooding, and sea level
rise. These maps can be used to
identify areas that are at risk,
and to develop strategies to
protect these areas.
Public
Awareness
• •Maps and visualizations
created with GIS can be
used to raise public
awareness about coastal
environmental issues and
engage communities in
conservation efforts.
Policy
Formulation
• Data from remote
sensing and GIS can
inform policymaking
for sustainable coastal
management, helping
governments make
informed decisions.
Disaster
Management

• Coastal areas are prone

to natural disasters like
hurricanes and tsunamis.
Remote sensing helps in
early detection, while
GIS aids in evacuation
planning and assessing
post-disaster damage.
 • Remote sensing and GIS are powerful tools that can be used to

Conclusion
monitor coastal environments and support coastal management
• These tools can be used to track changes in coastal features over
time, to identify and manage coastal problems, and to create maps
and models of coastal areas
Animation
References
• Al-Yaqout, A., Al-Qadiri, M., & Al-Saadi, A.
(2018). Application of remote sensing and GIS
for coastal erosion monitoring and
management: A review. International Journal
of Remote Sensing, 39(2), 719-745.
• DeWitt, J. P., & Cavanaugh, K. C. (2011).
Remote sensing and GIS for coastal zone
management. CRC Press.
• Foody, G. M. (2002). Remote sensing of
coastal environments. Taylor & Francis.