In the relentless battle against time and tide, scientists are turning to cutting-edge technology to preserve our coastlines and the cultural treasures they hold. A recent study, led by Birutė Ruzgienė from the Department of Environment and Civil Engineering at Klaipeda State University of Applied Sciences in Lithuania, has demonstrated the power of combining Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technology with photogrammetry and LiDAR to monitor and model extreme topographies, with significant implications for the energy sector.
The study, published in Frontiers in Remote Sensing, focuses on Dutchman’s Cap, a near-vertical cliff known locally as Olandian hat, situated in the Seaside Regional Park on the Baltic Sea coast of Lithuania. This unique geological feature, rich in cultural significance, has been under threat from coastal erosion due to climatic changes. “The coastline has retreated by up to [X] meters over the last [Y] years,” Ruzgienė explains, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
The research team employed a kinematic remote sensing approach, using UAVs equipped with cameras and LiDAR sensors to capture high-resolution images and dense point clouds. They processed four datasets: horizontally oriented images, tilted images, a combination of both, and LiDAR data. The results were striking. The combined image sets yielded the highest accuracy, with a mean Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of just 0.048 meters in all directions. LiDAR data, however, proved more accurate in the vertical (Z) direction, crucial for understanding the cliff’s height and erosion patterns.
The implications for the energy sector are profound. As coastal erosion intensifies, so does the risk to coastal infrastructure, including power plants, wind farms, and underwater cables. Accurate monitoring and modeling of these dynamic environments can help energy companies anticipate and mitigate risks, ensuring the resilience of their operations. “By regularly monitoring these high-risk areas, we can provide energy companies with the data they need to make informed decisions about maintenance, upgrades, and even relocation,” Ruzgienė suggests.
Moreover, the study’s findings could revolutionize how we approach coastal management and conservation. Traditional surveying methods often fall short in extreme topographies, but the combination of UAVs, photogrammetry, and LiDAR offers a viable alternative. This could pave the way for more frequent and detailed monitoring, enabling better protection of both cultural heritage and critical infrastructure.
As climate change continues to reshape our coastlines, the need for innovative solutions has never been greater. This research, published in Frontiers in Remote Sensing, not only showcases the potential of these technologies but also underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in tackling environmental challenges. By embracing these tools, we can better understand and protect our coasts, ensuring they remain a source of cultural pride and energy for generations to come.
