Topographic information, a basic element of regional and local geomorphologic studies, and a key variable for investigations of sedimentary processes, hydrology, and botany, can now be rapidly and accurately acquired at fine spatial scales by laser altimetry. Airborne laser altimetry, inclusive of both topographic and hydrographic surveying, is a type of remote sensing generally known as "Light Detection and Ranging" (lidar) that has undergone rapid development during the last two decades. Numerous recent studies have verified that current lidar systems, often coupled with passive optical imaging, can contribute to a wide range of coastal scientific investigations.  The broad applicability of airborne topographic lidar surveying to coastal studies and resource management stems from the capability of this newly emerged remote sensing method to map "bald Earth" land surfaces vegetation in studies of geologic framework and hydrology, and to determine the vertical structure of forest canopies.  Airborne topographic lidar has also proven to be an excellent method for the regional mapping of geomorphic change along barrier island beaches and other sandy coasts due to storms or long-term sedimentary processes.  Similarly, bathymetric lidars are of great value in the analysis of geomorphic structure and change in shallow benthic environments. 

Results/Conclusions

Coastal scientists are adopting airborne lidar suveys within studies of coral reef ecology, landslides along seacliffs, subsidence causing coastal land loss, storm surge and tsunamis, and the in the topographic monitoring of active volcanoes in continental margins.