Programme design

A wide range of coastal process data is needed for shoreline management. Ideally, regular surveys of the various variables should be conducted at consistent (dense) spatial and (frequent) temporal scales. This idealistic approach cannot be sustained or justified financially however, and a reasoned method of sampling must be designed to provide best value for money.

The survey programme has been designed on a risk basis, developed from a conceptual model of data requirements. More data is generally required at those sites that are most vulnerable or heavily managed. Although the spatial and temporal coverage of data collection varies across the region, the risk-based approach has been applied consistently across the region.

The risk categories considered in programme design are:

• Exposure to wave attack
• Vulnerability to flooding
• Management strategy
• Coastal geomorphology and geology
• Defence type
• Application of GIS to development of risk model
• Limitations of risk model