Experimental system for near real-time monitoring of coastal morphology.
Video monitoring is among the remote coastal survey techniques capable of providing continuous and quantitative information about coastal dynamics and shoreline inundation. Specifically, the installation of video monitoring systems along natural sandy shores, where there are no hard coastal defenses, allows for the observation of the autonomous dynamics of the beach and nearshore system.
The first experimental activities were later implemented in the System Action for the "Mapping of coastal protection and resilience in sandy shores related to protected areas," promoted by national park authorities and marine protected areas, as part of activities aimed at biodiversity conservation (MATTM, 0024444 GAB of 17/10/2017).
In 2025, the coastal videomonitoring network has been upgraded, thanks to Next Generation EU Founding. It now consists of 12 stations, 6 of them coupled with 2D LIDAR sensors.
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The experimental sites are located along portions of natural sandy coasts
within protected areas and, for comparison,
along tourist-developed coasts:
- -Sabaudia (LT), Circeo National Park;
- -Latina (LT), Circeo National Park;
- -Rodi Garganico (FG), Gargano National Park;
- -Pineto (TE), Torre del Cerrano Marine Protected Area;
- -Terracina (LT);
- -Senigallia (AN);
- -Capalbio (GR);
- -Acciaroli (SA);
- -Battipaglia (SA);
- -Viareggio (LU).
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The data produced by video monitoring systems, depending on management, processing, and analysis procedures, can provide information in "Near Real Time" (within 24 hours of video acquisition), or in "Delayed Mode," made available with a specific periodicity (e.g., monthly, quarterly, annually).
Examples of such products include:
- shoreline position;
- beach usable area;
- position, number, and shape of submerged bars;
- statistics of swash dynamics;
- presence of potentially hazardous rip currents;
- submerged beach area during storm surges;
- evolutionary trends of emerged and submerged morphological features;
- data for support of numerical modelling and remote sensing procedures.
An additional value of video monitoring lies in its visual nature: videos of shoreline evolution can serve as tools for dissemination and raising awareness on the importance of adaptive coastal management.
Archived observations
Allert maps
For info and contacts
videomonitoraggio@isprambiente.it
