UAV-based remote sensing practices for assessing coastal vulnerability

Coastal zones are multidimensional dynamic systems that frequently include the inevitably complex interaction between environmental and natural variability along with socio-economic activities. Within the context of applying competent Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) practices, decision-makers should comprehensively evaluate coastal dynamics. Exposure conditions including climate change impacts, natural hazards, alteration in coastal population characteristics and construction of coastal infrastructure are among the most pressing factors that should be addressed in terms of assessing coastal vulnerability. The physical-based estimation of a Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) requires determination of various parameters such as the coastline erosion or deposition. Given the time-dependency of vulnerability, monitoring of coastline evolution is considered to be prerequisite for CVI calculation. Recently, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) applications are offering a powerful technology in the field of coastal monitoring. This paper seeks to indicate the utility of UAV-based remote sensing monitoring approaches for a dynamic assessment of coastal vulnerability. For this purpose, a coastal zone at Northeastern Korinthiakos Bay at central Greece was investigated, where ICZM policies are, currently, promoted. Following this, UAV monitoring procedures have taken place aiming at recording current condition of the coastline. To estimate coastline erosion or deposition during the past years, supplementary aerial imagery data provided by the Hellenic Military Geographical Service (HMGS) was utilized. Identification of coastline evolution and, thereafter, the degree of vulnerability enables a proactive planning adapted by relative authorities and managers that can be further expanded towards the advancement of climate change resilience and sustainability of coastal zones.