Coastal Surveys

RG Surveys have the ability to periodicly monitor coastlines around the UK, managing coastal change to aid planning for conservation and infrastructure development.

The Government’s strategy for managing flooding and coastal erosion, “Shoreline Management Plans” has been developed to reduce the risks to people, property and the historic and natural environment. Local authorities are required to undertake topographic beach surveys to comply with DEFRA’s high level targets. These are in relation to the creation and maintenance of the National Flood and Coastal Defense Database with particular emphasis on flood and coastal erosion risks.

Bi-annual shore-normal beach profiles surveys are carried out at the lowest spring and autumn tides, typically at 1km centres. In addition, profiles are surveyed for selected scheme specific sites at closer spacing’s, including post storm surveys. This is now typically undertaken using Real Time Kinematic (RTK) Global Position Systems (GPS). This allows accurate positioning of the profile lines, ensures repeatability and avoids nearly all human error. Data collection is now quicker and quality control much easier as all the data is recorded and traceable.

In addition to surveys required to be undertaken by legislation RG Surveys can install GPS control networks, install and monitor fixed points along a coastline for rapid erosion and undertake volumetric calculations.