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A special issue of ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information (ISSN 2220-9964).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2013) | Viewed by 92155

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Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Timothy Nyerges

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Department of Geography, University of Washington, Box 353550, Smith Hall 408, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
Interests: CyberGIS software integration for sustained geospatial innovation; spatial-temporal modeling of coastal resilience; participatory interaction modeling of online geographic decision making; spatial-temporal modeling of watershed sustainability; large-scale geospatial data libraries for public decision support; collaborative decision support for water resources; collaborative decision support for coastal resilience; GIS for risk Evaluation and decision analysis; student learning outcomes within group projects with GIS; geographic information representation, human cognition, and user interfaces; Land use, transportation, and environmental applications of GIS; geographic object-based image analysis (GEOBIA), airborne thermography, the remote sensing of urban energy efficiency, multiscale analysis

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

More than half of the world's human population lived in coastal areas in 2000, and this proportion is predicted to increase to 75 percent by 2025. Geographic information systems (GIS) are being developed and used by technical specialists, stakeholder publics, and executive/policy decision makers for improving our understanding and management of coastal areas, separately and together as more organizations focus on improving the sustainability and resilience of coastal systems. Coastal systems, defined as the area of land closely connected to the sea, including barrier islands, wetlands, mudflats, beaches, estuaries, cities, towns, recreational areas, and maritime facilities; the continental seas and shelves; and the overlying atmosphere, are subject to complex and dynamic interactions among natural and human-driven processes. Coastal systems are crucial to regional and national economies, hosting valued human-built infrastructure and providing ecosystem services that sustain human well-being. Data sets characterizing geospatial dynamics of coastal systems phenomena are of increasingly larger sizes, and thus the need for effective spatial-temporal data management is ever more critical. GIS data analyses using spatial-temporal data are becoming more important as support for exploring, understanding, and decision making about complex coastal problems characterized in terms of human-environment systems. GIS research that explores, integrates, analyzes, synthesizes, and visualizes geospatial data about human-environment interaction are all considered important activities for coastal GIS.

The following topics are encouraged, but others will be considered as well.

spatial-temporal data collection for characterizing coastal systems
remote sensing and LiDAR data collection on the coast
spatial-temporal data modeling and data management about coastal phenomena
spatial-temporal analysis and/or modeling of coastal human-environment interactions
description, assessment, and/or management of sustainable and resilient coastal systems
geovisualization of dynamic coastal phenomena (e.g., land, water, air, human activities)
change detection of coastal phenomena and the processes underlying these phenomena
primary, secondary and cumulative impacts synthesized from analysis of coastal development
governing and governance of coastal systems areas with support from GIS
decision support for marine spatial planning and management
applications of coastal GIS for nearshore landscape-waterscape design and decision making,
applications in coastal emergency management, e.g., disaster mitigation, response and recovery
advanced technology instrumentation for collection of coastal GIS data
simulations of coastal processes for geospatial education

Prof. Dr. Timothy Nyerges
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

coastal
GIS
coastal systems
geospatial dynamics

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Editorial

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617 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Introduction to the Special Issue: Coastal GIS

by Timothy Nyerges

ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2014, 3(3), 1118-1121; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi3031118 - 16 Sep 2014

Viewed by 4849

Abstract

This special issue of the ISPRS International Journal of Geographic Information about “Coastal GIS” is motivated by many circumstances. More than one-half of the world’s human population lives in coastal areas (within 200 kilometers of coast) as of 2000 [1]. The trend toward coastal habitation is expected to continue in the US with the total being 75 percent by 2025, meaning that coastal human–environment interactions will likely increase and intensify [2]. Geographic information systems (GIS) are being developed and used by technical specialists, stakeholder publics, and executive/policy decision makers for improving our understanding and management of coastal areas, separately and together as more organizations focus on improving the sustainability and resilience of coastal systems. Coastal systems—defined as the area of land closely connected to the sea, including barrier islands, wetlands, mudflats, beaches, estuaries, cities, towns, recreational areas, and maritime facilities, the continental seas and shelves, and the overlying atmosphere—are subject to complex and dynamic interactions among natural and human-driven processes. Coastal systems are crucial to regional and national economies, hosting valued human-built infrastructure and providing ecosystem services that sustain human well-being. This special issue of IJGI about coastal GIS presents a collection of nine papers that address many of the issues mentioned above. [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coastal GIS)

Research

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4773 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial Representation of Coastal Risk: A Fuzzy Approach to Deal with Uncertainty

by Amaneh Jadidi, Mir Abolfazl Mostafavi, Yvan Bédard and Kyarash Shahriari

ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2014, 3(3), 1077-1100; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi3031077 - 26 Aug 2014

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 8549

Abstract

Spatial information for coastal risk assessment is inherently uncertain. This uncertainty may be due to different spatial and temporal components of geospatial data and to their semantics. The spatial uncertainty can be expressed either quantitatively or qualitatively. Spatial uncertainty in coastal risk assessment itself arises from poor spatial representation of risk zones. Indeed, coastal risk is inherently a dynamic, complex, scale-dependent, and vague, phenomenon in concept. In addition, representing the associated zones with polygons having well-defined boundaries does not provide a realistic method for efficient and accurate representing of the risk. This paper proposes a conceptual framework, based on fuzzy set theory, to deal with the problems of ill-defined risk zone boundaries and the inherent uncertainty issues. To do so, the nature and level of uncertainty, as well as the way to model it are characterized. Then, a fuzzy representation method is developed where the membership functions are derived based on expert-knowledge. The proposed approach is then applied in the Perce region (Eastern Quebec, Canada) and results are presented and discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coastal GIS)

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541 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a GIS-Based Tool for Aquaculture Siting

by Noelani Puniwai, Lisa Canale, Maria Haws, James Potemra, Christopher Lepczyk and Steven Gray

ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2014, 3(2), 800-816; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi3020800 - 10 Jun 2014

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 8679

Abstract

Nearshore aquaculture siting requires the integration of a range of physical, environmental, and social factors. As a result, the information demand often presents coastal managers with a range of complex issues regarding where specific types of aquaculture should be ideally located that reduce environmental and social impacts. Here we provide a framework and tool for managers faced with these issues that incorporate physical and biological parameters along with geospatial infrastructure. In addition, the development of the tool and underlying data included was undertaken with careful input and consideration of local population concerns and cultural practices. Using Hawaiʻi as a model system, we discuss the various considerations that were integrated into an end-user tool for aquaculture siting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coastal GIS)

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1077 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Application of WebGIS Tools for Visualizing Coastal Flooding Vulnerability and Planning for Resiliency: The New Jersey Experience

by Richard Lathrop, Lisa Auermuller, James Trimble and John Bognar

ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2014, 3(2), 408-429; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi3020408 - 26 Mar 2014

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 10537

Abstract

While sea level rise is a world-wide phenomenon, mitigating its impacts is a local decision-making challenge that is going to require site-specific remedies. Faced with a variety of conflicting mandates and uncertainty as to appropriate responses, local land use planners and managers need place-based decision support tools. With the increasing availability of high-resolution digital elevation models and the advancing speed and sophistication of web-based mapping, a number of web geographic information systems (GIS) tools have been developed to map and visualize what areas of a coastal landscape will potentially be flooded under different scenarios of sea level rise. This paper presents a case study of one such WebGIS application, NJFloodMapper (www.NJFloodMapper.org), with a focus on the user-centered design process employed to help our target audience of coastal decision-makers in the state of New Jersey, USA, access and understand relevant geographic information concerning sea level rise and exposure to coastal inundation, as well as assess the vulnerability of key infrastructure, populations and natural resources within their communities. We discuss the success of this approach amidst the broader context of the application of WebGIS tools in this arena. Due to its flexible design and user-friendly interface, NJFloodMapper has been widely adopted by government and non-governmental agencies in the state to assess coastal flooding exposure and vulnerability in the aftermath of a recent destructive coastal storm. However, additional decision support tools are needed to help coastal decision-makers translate the place-based information into concrete action plans aimed at promoting more resilient coastal land use decisions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coastal GIS)

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2359 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Dynamic GIS as an Efficient Tool for Integrated Coastal Zone Management

by Françoise Gourmelon, Damien Le Guyader and Guy Fontenelle

ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2014, 3(2), 391-407; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi3020391 - 26 Mar 2014

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 10161

Abstract

This contribution addresses both the role of geographical information in participatory research of coastal zones, and its potential to bridge the gap between research and coastal zone management. Over a one year period, heterogeneous data (spatial, temporal, qualitative and quantitative) were obtained which included the process of interviews, storing in a spatio-temporal database. The GIS (Geographic Information System) produced temporal snapshots of daily human activity patterns allowing it to map, identify and quantify potential space-time conflicts between activities. It was furthermore used to facilitate the exchange of ideas and knowledge at various levels: by mapping, simulation, GIS analysis and data collection. Results indicated that both captured data and the participatory workshop added real value to management and therefore it was deemed well managed by stakeholders. To incorporate a dynamic GIS would enhance pro-active integrated management by opening the path for better discussions whilst permitting management simulated scenarios. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coastal GIS)

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1042 KiB

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An Operational Web-Based Indicator System for Integrated Coastal Zone Management

by Henning Sten Hansen and Morten Fuglsang

ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2014, 3(1), 326-344; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi3010326 - 14 Mar 2014

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 8411

Abstract

Coastal zones are under severe pressure from anthropogenic activities, as well as on-going climate change with associated sea level rise and increased storminess. These challenges call for integrated and forward looking solutions. The concept on Integrated Coastal Zone Management, as defined during the last twenty years, provides the overall policy frames, but tools to support the planning and management efforts are almost lacking. Furthermore, the forward-looking dimension to embrace the effects of climate change is nearly absent in most implementations. The BLAST project, financed by the European Union Regional Fund through the INTERREG IV North Sea Region Programme, aimed at developing a web-based decision support system to assist Integrated Coastal Zone Management from a climate change perspective, and the current paper describes the methods used and the computing platform for implementing a decision support system. The software applied in developing the system is mainly Open Source components, thus, facilitating a more widespread use of the system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coastal GIS)

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2561 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Habitat Mapping and Change Assessment of Coastal Environments: An Examination of WorldView-2, QuickBird, and IKONOS Satellite Imagery and Airborne LiDAR for Mapping Barrier Island Habitats

by Matthew J. McCarthy and Joanne N. Halls

ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2014, 3(1), 297-325; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi3010297 - 6 Mar 2014

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 10090

Abstract

Habitat mapping can be accomplished using many techniques and types of data. There are pros and cons for each technique and dataset, therefore, the goal of this project was to investigate the capabilities of new satellite sensor technology and to assess map accuracy for a variety of image classification techniques based on hundreds of field-work sites. The study area was Masonboro Island, an undeveloped area in coastal North Carolina, USA. Using the best map results, a habitat change assessment was conducted between 2002 and 2010. WorldView-2, QuickBird, and IKONOS satellite sensors were tested using unsupervised and supervised methods using a variety of spectral band combinations. Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) elevation and texture data pan-sharpening, and spatial filtering were also tested. In total, 200 maps were generated and results indicated that WorldView-2 was consistently more accurate than QuickBird and IKONOS. Supervised maps were more accurate than unsupervised in 80% of the maps. Pan-sharpening the images did not consistently improve map accuracy but using a majority filter generally increased map accuracy. During the relatively short eight-year period, 20% of the coastal study area changed with intertidal marsh experiencing the most change. Smaller habitat classes changed substantially as well. For example, 84% of upland scrub-shrub experienced change. These results document the dynamic nature of coastal habitats, validate the use of the relatively new Worldview-2 sensor, and may be used to guide future coastal habitat mapping. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coastal GIS)

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1393 KiB

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Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and Multispectral Scanner (MSS) Studies Examine Coastal Environments Influenced by Mining

by W. Charles Kerfoot, Martin M. Hobmeier, Foad Yousef, Sarah A. Green, Robert Regis, Colin N. Brooks, Robert Shuchman, Jamey Anderson and Molly Reif

ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2014, 3(1), 66-95; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi3010066 - 27 Jan 2014

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 13237

Abstract

There are numerous examples of past and present mine disposal into freshwater and marine coastal bays and riverine environments. Due to its high spatial resolution and extended water penetration, coastal light detection and ranging (LiDAR), coupled with multispectral scanning (MSS), has great promise for resolving disturbed shoreline features in low turbidity environments. Migrating mine tailings present serious issues for Lake Superior and coastal marine environments. Previous investigations in Lake Superior uncovered a metal-rich “halo” around the Keweenaw Peninsula, related to past copper mining practices. For over a century, waste rock migrating from shoreline tailing piles has moved along extensive stretches of coastline, compromising critical fish breeding grounds, damming stream outlets, transgressing into wetlands and along recreational beaches and suppressing benthic invertebrate communities. In Grand (Big) Traverse Bay, Buffalo Reef is an important spawning area for lake trout and whitefish threatened by drifting tailings. The movement of tailings into Buffalo Reef cobble fields may interfere with the hatching of fish eggs and fry survival, either by filling in crevices where eggs are deposited or by toxic effects on eggs, newly hatched larvae or benthic communities. Here, we show that the coastal tailing migration is not “out of sight, out of mind”, but clearly revealed by using a combination of LiDAR and MSS techniques. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coastal GIS)

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3972 KiB

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Barrier Island Dynamics Using Mass Center Analysis: A New Way to Detect and Track Large-Scale Change

by Paul Paris and Helena Mitasova

ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2014, 3(1), 49-65; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi3010049 - 27 Jan 2014

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 7106

Abstract

A geographic information system (GIS) was used to introduce and test a new method for quantitatively characterizing topographic change. Borrowing from classic Newtonian mechanics, the concept of a body’s center of mass is applied to the geomorphic landscape, and the barrier island environment in particular, to evaluate the metric’s potential as a proxy for detecting, tracking and visualizing change. Two barrier islands along North Carolina’s Outer Banks are used to test this idea: Core Banks, uninhabited and largely-undeveloped, and Hatteras Island, altered by the presence of a protective dune system. Findings indicate that for Core Banks, the alongshore change in the center of mass is in accord with dominate littoral transport and wind conditions. Cross-shore change agrees with independent estimates for the island migration rates. This lends credence to our assertion that the mass center metric has the potential to be a viable proxy for describing wholesale barrier migration and would be a valuable addition to the already-established ocean shoreline and subaerial volume metrics. More research is, however, required to demonstrate efficacy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coastal GIS)

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821 KiB

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Optimizing the Use of Secchi Depth as a Proxy for Euphotic Depth in Coastal Waters: An Empirical Study from the Baltic Sea

by Hanna Luhtala and Harri Tolvanen

ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2013, 2(4), 1153-1168; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi2041153 - 9 Dec 2013

Cited by 52 | Viewed by 9220

Abstract

Potential zone for photosynthesis in natural waters is restricted to a relatively thin illuminated surface water layer. The thickness of this layer is often indirectly estimated by measuring the depth in which 1% of the photosynthetically active radiation entering the water remains. This depth is referred to as the euphotic depth. A coarser way to evaluate the underwater light penetration is to measure the Secchi depth, which is a visual measure of water transparency. The numerical relationship between these two optical parameters, i.e., conversion coefficient m, varies according to the changes in the optical properties of water, especially in transitional coastal waters. The aim of our study is to assess which is the most suitable criterion to base these coefficients on. We tested nine methods, seven of which were locally calibrated with our own in situ data from the optically heterogeneous Baltic Sea archipelago coast of SW Finland. We managed to significantly improve the accuracy of modeling euphotic depths from Secchi depths by using scalable and locally calibrated methods instead of a single fixed coefficient. The best results were achieved by using methods, either continuous functions or series of constants, which are based on water transparency values. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coastal GIS)

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