Using High-Spatial Resolution UAV-Derived Data to Evaluate Vegetation and Geomorphological Changes on a Dune Field Involved in a Restoration Endeavour

Nowadays, the employment of high-resolution Digital Surface Models (DSMs) and RGB orthophotos has become fundamental in coastal system studies. This work aims to explore potentiality low-cost Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) surveys monitor geomorphic vegetation state sand dunes by means (2–4 cm) DSMs. The area study (Punta Marina, Ravenna, Italy), North Adriatic Sea, was considered very suitable for these purposes because it involves a residual dune system, damaged decades erosion, fragmentation human intervention. Recently, part been involved restoration project aimed at limiting its deterioration. have used calculate spectral information bare therefore, changes their relative cover extension over time, through using semi-automatic classification algorithms GIS environment. Elevation data from DSMs were identify principal morphological features: (i) Dune Foot Line (DFL); (ii) Crest (DCL); seaward (DsCL); Stable Vegetation line (SVL). USGS tool DSAS dynamics, considering every source error: stable pattern observed two crest lines (DCL DsCL), an advancing one others features (DFL SVL). Geomorphological data, as well confirmed effectiveness planting operations, since constant progressive increase vegetated consolidation observed, period with no energetic storms. proposed methodology is rapid, easily replicable managers quantify projects.