Beach carrying capacity assessment through image processing tools for coastal management

Abstract

Coastal environments are spaces where people may develop varied economic and recreational activities, such as tourism, which usually damage beaches and other natural resources commonly placed in these settings. The aim of this paper is to present a methodology to estimate and evaluate the Beach Carrying Capacity (BCC) and the actual beach usage level in coastal cities, using on-site information and video processing to provide significant real-time data. To test our methodology, we chose the coastal city of Monte Hermoso, Argentina, as a pilot site because it is by far the prime choice for a large population during summer vacation in this country. Initially, to estimate BCC, cartographic information about facilities and beach zones was collected and combined with surveys requested to tourists, to better understand their habits and preferences. This allowed an accurate estimation of other beach capacities related to BCC. Secondly, beach video sequences were processed with an algorithm that identified, located and counted people on the beach with an adequate accuracy. The actual occupancy factor was computed and used to asses whether the BCC had been exceeded. Also, people were tracked and their preferred relaxing areas were registered (e.g, closer to seaside during the morning). Finally, all the information was stored and visualized using a Geographic Information System (GIS) which allows both to analyze the different information layers and to produce interactive thematic maps. In this way, the resulting methodology may help to identify zones under risk of deterioration and to define suitable places for the development of varied activities (specially those related to tourism). It may also serve as a dashboard for decision and policy making and contribute to coastal management planning as well.