Temporal shoreline series analysis using GNSS

In recent decades, Boa Viagem beach located in the city of Recife-PE and Piedade in Jaboatão dos Guararapes-PE (Brazil) has seen urbanization near the coastline causing changes in social, economic and morphological aspects, where coastal erosion problems are observed. This study uses GNSS (global navigation satellite system) shoreline monitoring approach, which is quicker, and provides continuously updatable data at cm-level accuracy to analyze and determine temporal positional shifts of the shoreline as well as annual average rates through EPR (end point rate). To achieve this, kinematic GNSS survey data for the years 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2012 were used. The results show sectorial trends over the years, with the highest annual retreat rate of 8.16 m /year occurring during the period 2007-2009. Variety of different patterns over the shoreline were also observed. These findings could be essential for decision making in coastal environments

Data processing and adjustment

© Springer International Publishing AG 2018. In this chapter, the necessary data processing or post-processing following field measurements is presented. First, the general procedures undertaken to process baseline data are considered, followed by the adjustment of network observations

The global positioning system

© Springer International Publishing AG 2018. The Global Positioning System (GPS) is the oldest and most widely used GNSS system, and as such will be extensively discussed in the first part of this book

Environmental monitoring

© Springer International Publishing AG 2018. Environmental monitoring has been defined as the observation and study of the environment. This entails objective observations that produce sound data, which in turn provide valuable information that is useful, e.g., in supporting the protection of public water supplies, hazardous, non-hazardous, and radioactive waste management, natural resource protection and management, weather forecasting, and global climate change (Artiola et al, Environmental monitoring and characterization, 2004, [1]) studies. From such a definition, what exactly does the term “monitoring” mean within an environmental perspective? Is it synonymous to measuring or observing? A sound definition of monitoring is essential at this point so as to clearly understand the theme of this book, which intents to highlight the uses of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) satellites, which have at times been largely regarded as military assets, to monitor the environment. This can be achieved by using GNSS signals to measure and observe changes in the environment

Environmental surveying and surveillance

© Springer International Publishing AG 2018. In this section, we discuss the quantitative and qualitative data that could be collected using GNSS satellites, and in so doing, attempt to answer the question “what can GNSS satellites deliver that are of use to environmental monitoring?” The observed parameters necessary for environmental monitoring vary, depending upon the indicators being assessed. Some are physical variables such as changes in soil patterns, vegetation, rainfall, water levels, temperature, deforestation, solar and UV radiation. Others are chemical variables, e.g., pH, salinity, nutrients, metals, pesticides, while others are biological variables, e.g., species types, ecosystem health, and indicator species