Enhancing Coastal Risk Recognition: Assessing UAVs for Monitoring Accuracy and Implementation in a Digital Twin Framework

This paper addresses the intricate challenges of coastal management, particularly in rapidly forming tidal flats, emphasizing the need for innovative monitoring strategies. The dynamic coastal topography, exemplified by a newly formed tidal flat in Shanghai, underscores the urgency of advancements i...

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Main Authors: Rui Yuan, Hezhenjia Zhang, Ruiyang Xu, Liyuan Zhang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-03-01
Series:Applied Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/14/7/2879
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author Rui Yuan
Hezhenjia Zhang
Ruiyang Xu
Liyuan Zhang
author_facet Rui Yuan
Hezhenjia Zhang
Ruiyang Xu
Liyuan Zhang
author_sort Rui Yuan
collection DOAJ
description This paper addresses the intricate challenges of coastal management, particularly in rapidly forming tidal flats, emphasizing the need for innovative monitoring strategies. The dynamic coastal topography, exemplified by a newly formed tidal flat in Shanghai, underscores the urgency of advancements in coastal risk recognition. By utilizing a digital twin framework integrated with state-of-the-art unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), we systematically evaluate three configurations and identify the optimal setup incorporating real-time kinematics (RTK) and light detection and ranging (LiDAR). This UAV configuration excels in efficiently mapping the 3D coastal terrain. It has an error of less than 0.1 m when mapping mudflats at an altitude of 100 m. The integration of UAV data with a precise numerical ocean model forms the foundation of our dynamic risk assessment framework. The results showcase the transformative potential of the digital twin framework, providing unparalleled accuracy and efficiency in coastal risk recognition. Visualization through Unity Engine or Unreal Engine enhances accessibility, fostering community engagement and awareness. By predicting and simulating potential risks in real-time, this study offers a forward-thinking strategy for mitigating coastal dangers. This research not only contributes a comprehensive strategy for coastal risk management but also sets a precedent for the integration of cutting-edge technologies in safeguarding coastal ecosystems. The findings are significant in paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable approach to coastal management, addressing the evolving environmental pressures on our coastlines.
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spelling doaj.art-f0094eceb76942d384475c084a45a8c22024-04-12T13:15:05ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172024-03-01147287910.3390/app14072879Enhancing Coastal Risk Recognition: Assessing UAVs for Monitoring Accuracy and Implementation in a Digital Twin FrameworkRui Yuan0Hezhenjia Zhang1Ruiyang Xu2Liyuan Zhang3School of Ocean Science and Engineering, Shanghai Maritime University, 1550 Haigang Ave., Shanghai 201306, ChinaSchool of Ocean Science and Engineering, Shanghai Maritime University, 1550 Haigang Ave., Shanghai 201306, ChinaSchool of Ocean Science and Engineering, Shanghai Maritime University, 1550 Haigang Ave., Shanghai 201306, ChinaSchool of Ocean Science and Engineering, Shanghai Maritime University, 1550 Haigang Ave., Shanghai 201306, ChinaThis paper addresses the intricate challenges of coastal management, particularly in rapidly forming tidal flats, emphasizing the need for innovative monitoring strategies. The dynamic coastal topography, exemplified by a newly formed tidal flat in Shanghai, underscores the urgency of advancements in coastal risk recognition. By utilizing a digital twin framework integrated with state-of-the-art unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), we systematically evaluate three configurations and identify the optimal setup incorporating real-time kinematics (RTK) and light detection and ranging (LiDAR). This UAV configuration excels in efficiently mapping the 3D coastal terrain. It has an error of less than 0.1 m when mapping mudflats at an altitude of 100 m. The integration of UAV data with a precise numerical ocean model forms the foundation of our dynamic risk assessment framework. The results showcase the transformative potential of the digital twin framework, providing unparalleled accuracy and efficiency in coastal risk recognition. Visualization through Unity Engine or Unreal Engine enhances accessibility, fostering community engagement and awareness. By predicting and simulating potential risks in real-time, this study offers a forward-thinking strategy for mitigating coastal dangers. This research not only contributes a comprehensive strategy for coastal risk management but also sets a precedent for the integration of cutting-edge technologies in safeguarding coastal ecosystems. The findings are significant in paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable approach to coastal management, addressing the evolving environmental pressures on our coastlines.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/14/7/2879UAVscoastal monitoringdigital twincoastal risk
spellingShingle Rui Yuan
Hezhenjia Zhang
Ruiyang Xu
Liyuan Zhang
Enhancing Coastal Risk Recognition: Assessing UAVs for Monitoring Accuracy and Implementation in a Digital Twin Framework
Applied Sciences
UAVs
coastal monitoring
digital twin
coastal risk
title Enhancing Coastal Risk Recognition: Assessing UAVs for Monitoring Accuracy and Implementation in a Digital Twin Framework
title_full Enhancing Coastal Risk Recognition: Assessing UAVs for Monitoring Accuracy and Implementation in a Digital Twin Framework
title_fullStr Enhancing Coastal Risk Recognition: Assessing UAVs for Monitoring Accuracy and Implementation in a Digital Twin Framework
title_full_unstemmed Enhancing Coastal Risk Recognition: Assessing UAVs for Monitoring Accuracy and Implementation in a Digital Twin Framework
title_short Enhancing Coastal Risk Recognition: Assessing UAVs for Monitoring Accuracy and Implementation in a Digital Twin Framework
title_sort enhancing coastal risk recognition assessing uavs for monitoring accuracy and implementation in a digital twin framework
topic UAVs
coastal monitoring
digital twin
coastal risk
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/14/7/2879
work_keys_str_mv AT ruiyuan enhancingcoastalriskrecognitionassessinguavsformonitoringaccuracyandimplementationinadigitaltwinframework
AT hezhenjiazhang enhancingcoastalriskrecognitionassessinguavsformonitoringaccuracyandimplementationinadigitaltwinframework
AT ruiyangxu enhancingcoastalriskrecognitionassessinguavsformonitoringaccuracyandimplementationinadigitaltwinframework
AT liyuanzhang enhancingcoastalriskrecognitionassessinguavsformonitoringaccuracyandimplementationinadigitaltwinframework