WebGIS Implementation for Dynamic Mapping and Visualization of Coastal Geospatial Data: A Case Study of BESS Project
Source abstract
Abstract
Within an E.U.-funded project, BESS (Pocket Beach Management and Remote Surveillance System), the notion of a geographic information system is an indispensable tool for managing the dynamics of georeferenced data and information for any form of territorial planning. This notion was further explored with the creation of a WebGIS portal that will allow local and regional stakeholders/authorities obtain an easy remote access tool to monitor the status of pocket beaches (PB) in the Maltese Archipelago and Sicily. In this paper, we provide a methodological approach for the implementation of a WebGIS necessary for very detailed dynamic mapping and visualization of geospatial coastal data; the description of the dataset necessary for the monitoring of coastal areas, especially the PBs; and a demonstration of a case study for the PBs of Sicily and Malta by using the methodology and the dataset used during the BESS project. Detailed steps involved in the creation of the WebGIS are presented. These include data preparation, data storage, and data publication and transformation into geo-services. With the help of different Open Geospatial Consortium protocols, the WebGIS displays different layers of information for 134 PBs including orthophotos, sedimentological/geomorphological beach characteristics, shoreline evolution, geometric and morphological parameters, shallow water bathymetry, and photographs of pocket beaches. The WebGIS allows not only for identifying, evaluating, and directing potential solutions to present and arising issues, but also enables public access and involvement. It reflects a platform for future local and regional coastal zone monitoring and management, by promoting public/private involvement in addressing coastal issues and providing local public administrations with an improved technology to monitor coastal changes and help better plan suitable interventions.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Geographic Information Systems Studies · Coastal and Marine Management · Coastal and Marine Dynamics
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Interreg Italia–Malta–Progetto: Pocket Beach Management & Remote Surveillance System, University of Messina, Via F. Stagno d’Alcontres, 31-98166 Messina, Italy
Dipartimento di Scienze Matematiche e Informatiche, Scienze Fisiche e Scienze della Terra, Università degli Studi di Messina, Via F. Stagno d’Alcontres, 31-98166 Messina, Italy
GeoloGISs.r.l. Spin Off, Via F. Stagno d’Alcontres, 31-98166 Messina, Italy
Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Osservatorio Etneo-Sezione di Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
Euro-Mediterranean Centre on Insular Coastal Dynamics (ICoD), Institute of Earth Systems, University of Malta, MSD-2080 Msida, Malta
Department of Earth and Marine Science (DiSTeM), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy
Ministry for Gozo St. Francis Square, VCT-1335 Victoria, Malta
Laboratory of Geoengineering and Environment, Department of Geology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Moulay Ismail, BP. 11201 Zitoune, Meknes 50000, Morocco
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