Quick Response Assessment of the Impact of an Extreme Storm Combining Aerial Drone and RTK GPS

Abstract

Developing and implementing a quick response post-storm survey protocol has the potential to improve impact assessments of coastal storms. Pre- and post-event surveys are essential to properly quantify the storm impacts on the coast. In this study, a combination of traditional RTK GPS and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle drone platform was utilized as part of a coordinated storm response workflow. The comprehensive approach employed in this pilot case study was conducted on the Emilia-Romagna coast (Italy), in the immediate aftermath of an extreme storm event that impacted the shoreline on the 5th–6th February 2015 called the Saint Agatha Storm. The activities were supported by timing information on the approaching storm provided by the regional early warning system. We collected aerial photos from a commercial off-the-shelf drone immediately after the Saint Agatha Storm and generated both orthomosaic and digital elevation models utilizing structure-from-motion photogrammetry techniques. The drone- based survey approach allowed us to quickly survey an area of 0.25 km2 within a 10-minute flight resulting in a ground sampling distance of 2.5 cm/pixel. Flooding and erosion impacts are analyzed and presented for the target study area. Limitations and possible applications for coastal management of the quick response post-storm surveying protocol are highlighted.