Multi-Technics for Coastal Asset Evaluation on Naples Waterfront (Southern Italy)

This study focuses on an integrated approach for the monitoring of low-lying coastal areas with high urbanistic, naturalistic, cultural, or social value to predict the effects of extreme events. The methodology is based on the use of data obtained from open-access repositories, previous studies, and in-situ surveys using innovative technologies. Data processing, in Geographic Information System (GIS) environment and by using specific software, allows the reconstruction of coastal assets and the calculation of the return period of major storm surges, and related flooded areas. By correlating these results with the expected sea level rise Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) data, it is possible to estimate the impact of future extreme events with a comparable return period. Our study area is Naples' waterfront, Southern Italy, with a particular focus on the urban beach, fronting Diaz Square. Aerial photos, satellite images, and orthophotos from 1994 to 2024 were compared for the calculation of shoreline movement trends; 2012 bathymetric data were compared to those obtained by a marine drone during a survey in 2023; lastly, the energy-equivalent wave was calculated, and the main storm surges were classified in five categories according to their storm power index. All these data converged in a GIS - Delft 3D joint project that allowed the construction of the database for numerical simulations. Obtained results may represent, for local authorities, a starting point for coastal resilience studies, flood risk assessments, and the definition of prevention and adaptation strategies.