Analyzing the Features and Classification of the Coasts of Guilan Province, Iran, using Satellite Imagery and the Shepard Classification Method

ABSTRACT: Today, complex requisites regarding the coasts need to be met with coherent solutions. As biophysical parameters have made global executive plans on coasts easier, the system for identifying and classifying coastal margins can be applied to coastal areas in order to develop appropriate solutions. Different methods are used for studying and classifying the coasts. Today, scientists are trying to perform relational procecess between form and function, and between time and space in the most dynamic coastal environments and in studies of coastal clasification. It is necessary to process and classify all the natural and man-made features of the coasts in order to maintain a sustainable development of the coasts, to preserve, regenerate, and develop soil and water resources of coastal areas, and to create employment and encourage activities in agriculture, fishery and tourism. Methodology of the project was based on library studies, field surveys, literature review and synthesis, and Shepard Classification method. Much of the data collected on coastral classification were processed in the context of GIS, RS using ETM2002 satellite imagery. The results of this study include reports on the status of the coastal province of Guilan and its classification in the form of maps, images, figures, tables, and documents.