Abstract:
The adequate emergency and risk management of flood and erosion in coastal
areas requires a combination of comprehensive monitoring networks, accurate
prediction tools and information platforms that can convey data and
predictions in a timely and user-friendly way. Herein, we present a novel
web GIS platform for coastal flood and erosion management targeted at areas
subject to the combined action of waves, surges and tides. Information for
each coastal region is organized through a coastal observatory concept, and
the information is tailored to the specific characteristics of each
observatory. Many data types were implemented, including historical and
real-time sensor data and processed remote sensing information obtained
from local cameras or satellites. Predictions are based on a chain of
high-resolution models that operate from the ocean to the coast, simulating
wave and current hydrodynamics and their interactions, as well as
morphodynamics, based on models FES2014, WW3, SCHISM and XBEACH. The WebGIS
platform provides both spatial and temporal information aiming at
characterizing hazard, vulnerability and risk. The platform is demonstrated
through the application to a complex observatory in the central West
Portuguese coast, Cova Gala, to address both flooding and erosion concerns.
