A methodology for the efficient storage and processing of coastal point data

The seamless integration between terrestrial and sub-aqueous surfaces has long stymied the geospatial industry. The collection of high-resolution, accurate elevation data in the nearshore zone proved difficult for many organizations. However, the advent of shallow water based LiDAR collection systems, technological improvements in shallow water hydrographic multibeam systems and the ability to collect bathymetry from hyperspectral remotely sensed imagery is changing the face of the coastal mapping community. Through the functionality of ArcGIS Terrains, users of these multisource, multiscale data will be able to seamlessly integrate coastal point data into an efficient storage mechanism. Terrains have the capability to generate small to large scale Triangulated Irregular Networks (TINs) on-the-fly. This paper discusses and demonstrates the functionality of this new technology in the context of a coastal mapping project. Topographic LiDAR, multibeam bathymetry, and SHOALS bathymetry LiDAR is incorporated into a geospatial database. Supplementary data, such as breaklines, erosion control devices are added to further assist in accurate model generation at multiple scales. Subsequent modeling at varying resolutions is performed through spatial analysis techniques which further demonstrate the utility of ArcGIS Terrains for shoreline mapping. In a 3D context, visualization techniques are explored using ArcScene and ArcGlobe. This technology has the potential to assist clients in the arena of military applications, pipeline/cable landfall applications, coastal zone management and flood risk modeling. The three main areas that make it difficult for geospatial analysts to work with coastal data are: a) the shear volume of data associated with LiDAR and SoNAR data, b) the variability of resolution requirements (i.e. regional mapping requires decimated data, large scale mapping requires high-resolution), and c) storage and management of varying data sources encompassing the same geography. The paper addresses these areas of concern by explaining the underlying concepts and methodologies that ArcGIS Terrains employ to import, manage, and present these data at varying scales.