Development of a Coastal Erosion Monitoring Plan Using In Situ Measurements and Satellite Images

Coastal erosion affects nearly 70% of global beaches, threatening ecosystems and socio-economic development. This study proposes a monitoring framework integrating Differential GNSS RTK, RPA photogrammetry with PPK, and high-resolution satellite imagery to evaluate shoreline change and beach profiles along Panama’s Pacific coast. Short-term (3–5 months) and long-term (13 years) analyses were conducted using DSAS metrics—End Point Rate (EPR) and Net Shoreline Movement (NSM)—to quantify erosion trends. Results show Differential GNSS provides superior accuracy for sandy beach profiling, while RPA photogrammetry is effective in complex terrains such as rocky-bottom beaches. Combining RPA and satellite imagery enhances long-term shoreline monitoring. The proposed plan offers a scalable, cost-effective approach for coastal management, supporting evidence-based policy, land-use planning, and disaster risk reduction, while serving as a methodological reference for future research.