TEMPOROSPATIAL ASSESSMENT OF TIDAL FLAT GEOMORPHOLOGY BY MEANS OF UAV

Abstract

This study aims to develop a new technology, which uses an UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) and digital photography, in order to evaluate temporospatial geomorphology in intertidal flats. The UAV can make an autonomous flight. Because the water surface of the intertidal flats is tranquil, the waterline (water's edge), evaluated by aerial photography from the UAV, corresponds to a very precise contour of the intertidal flats. High resolution photographs are also useful to study the interrelation between morphological information and bioactivity in the intertidal flats. The method is applicable to not only natural intertidal flats but also artificial intertidal flats to measure morphological dynamics.