Seasonal dune and beach monitoring using photogrammetry from UAV surveys to apply in the ICZM on the Ravenna coast (Emilia-Romagna, Italy)

Abstract Coastal monitoring is fundamental to studying dune and beach behaviour related to natural and anthropogenic factors as well as coastal management programs. Various tools have been used in recent years for such investigations, including LIDAR, satellite images, terrestrial laser scanning, and photogrammetry, allowing for both qualitative and quantitative analyses. These tools are applied based on the spatial and temporal scales of the coastal zone being studied. In this study, seasonal coastal changes are monitored using high-accuracy and high-quality photogrammetry frames acquired using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The UAV surveys were performed over two sessions during summer 2014 (September) and winter 2015 (March). Additional data were also acquired during the strongest winter storms of the 2014–2015 season. The results of these two UAVs surveys are compared to identify the changes that occurred on beaches and dunes due to: i) anthropogenic changes such as tourist facilities and winter storm defence construction; and ii) the winter storms of 2014–2015 from dune erosion, investigating the magnitude of impact across all coastal zones under study. Moreover, this study demonstrates the efficacy and applicability of photogrammetry from UAVs for coastal work, analyses whether it is a useful technique for scientific studies and authorities to use due to its greater cost/benefit, and also whether it contributes to the application of local Integrated Coastal Zone Management.