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  Geoscience databases for coastal zone management
 

R Number:  R5565
Contractor:  British Geological Survey
Dates:         1 October 1993 to 30 September 1996
Development of a standardised database system for use by geological survey organisations for the storage, processing and utilisation of coastal zone data.



Executive Summary
Objectives

  • To provide systems to enable the production of standardised coastal zone maps of selected deltaic areas of East and Southeast Asia to underpin studies related to coastal zone management.
  • To transfer skills and techniques related to coastal zone geological mapping to chosen institutions in collaborating countries.
  • To apply computer-generated geological mapping techniques to the field of coastal zone management.
  • Methodology

  • Development of a digital database for coastal and offshore geoscientific data, using a database set up for the Geological Survey of Malaysia as an example.
  • Case study of the coastal geology of Labuan.
  • Assessment of the value of remote-sensing data to the management of the coastal zone.
  • Results and Conclusions

    This project linked with a coastal zone management programme, COASTPLAN, initiated by CCOP a regional governmental organisation for the Coordination of Coastal and Offshore Geoscience Programmes in East Asia. Many of the geological surveys of countries of the region have need of a globally-supported, nation-wide digital system for storing existing and newly-acquired geoscientific information from the coastal and offshore zone. Such a system will aid the move of coastal zone management into 'new' technologies such as digital cartography and GIS.

    A demonstration database of this type was designed for the Geological Survey of Malaysia using PCORACLE.

    A case study was carried out of the coastal zone of the island of Labuan, and information obtained from a visit to the island and from the UK Hydrographic Office. As part of the Labuan study, an assessment of the use of Landsat Thematic Mapper imagery was carried out. For optimum discrimination of features, this image combined TM bands 3, 2, and 1 (as red, green, blue) from the visible spectrum for offshore areas with TM bands 4,5, and 3 (infrared to visible) for the land areas. The image yielded significant information on the morphology and sedimentary processes affecting the coast. This proved to be of most value to the broad assessment of the adjacent coast of western Sabah which was not-visited during the study.

    Further Information
    List of Publications

    Evans, C D R E (1995) Geoscience databases for coastal-zone management, Earthworks, Issue 1

    Evans, C D R and Walsby, J. Geoscientific databases and related coastal zone management issues: project summary report. British geological Survey Technical report WC/96/14

    Follow-up Activities

    The database was demonstrated at a workshop in Manila in early 1996

    Contact Details for Further Information
    Dr C D R Evans
    British Geological Survey
    Keyworth
    Nottingham NG12 5GG

    Tel: +44 (0)115 936 3468
    Fax: +44 (0)115 936 3460