The objective of this project is to propose an integrated approach supported by Video Monitoring System (VMS) to generate a quasi-continuous topo-bathymetric model between the subaerial and submerged components of the beach. The proposed VMS will be installed at a Pilot Station in Praia de Mira (Western coast of Portugal) and will utilize an IP video camera coupled with a single-beam laser distance meter to automatically generate Digital Elevation Models (DEM) daily for the entire subaerial area of the beach and frontal dunes. Coastal bathymetry retrieval will be inferred from the surface wave field, employing inverse methods and exploring linear and nonlinear wave theory. Algorithms developed in the previous NAVSAFETY project will be enhanced to create bathymetric estimates with greater accuracy in the surf zone domains. Improvements in bathymetric estimates are expected, enabling their extension to areas closer to the wave swash zone.
The independence of subaerial DEM generation from the swash zone will allow complete coverage of the entire subaerial beach and dunes system, improve bathymetric estimation methods, and mitigate inconsistencies between bathymetric and topographic data. This effort is specifically targeted towards the transition domain between both, particularly complex from a monitoring perspective. Generating datasets during the course of the project, which includes various sea states and different phases of the tidal cycle, will contribute to reducing inconsistencies and improving precision levels in transition domains.
