Implementation of topographic techniques for monitoring coastal erosion

Coastal erosion is the negative effect between the input and output of sediments in coastal areas. These alterations in the morphology of the coasts leave with them negative socioeconomic and ecosystem impacts. New topographic technologies allow monitoring coastal erosion at low cost and with large spatial coverage. This research seeks to compare topographic techniques with GNSS RTK and RPA PPK for monitoring coastal erosion. A comparison was made of beach profile measurements made with GNSS and RPA for one day (April 24, 2023) on the sandy beaches of Farallón, Coclé. A 450 m long transect was analyzed to determine: the difference in elevation of the averages of beach profiles and similarity (slope) of the profiles along the defined transect. The results showed an average elevation difference of 70 cm between both techniques and similar slopes of 0.10 for the average profiles constructed. It is concluded that the digital photogrammetry technique with RPA PPK can be used to conduct coastal erosion research in areas of difficult access, where humans do not have a greater reach. The beach profile survey technique using GNSS RTK can provide greater benefits when working on research with short-or medium-term monitoring. It is recommended that more studies of this type be carried out in coastal areas devoid of vegetation and infrastructure.