An Introduction to Coastal Zone Mapping with Airborne Lidar: the Shoals System

Recent advancements in lidar sensors now allow for near-synoptic, regional-scale mapping of the coastal zone. One such sensor is the US Army Corps of Engineers SHOALS system. SHOALS is unique in that it is the only lidar sensor, worldwide, that simultaneously collects bathymetry and adjacent topography. Because of SHOALS’ rapid collection rate, data density, and system accuracy, it is now cost effective to quantify regional coastal geomorphology and to better engineer management solutions on a regional scale. This paper gives an overview of airborne lidar bathymetry technology and the SHOALS system and discusses the value of lidar mapping to the coastal management community by presenting recent regional SHOALS surveys in Hawaii, USA.