A system for coastal description and classification

Abstract

A suitable computer system for coastal information can support management of data collected over several years, easing the problems of organizing and indexing many forms of observational records and helping to improve the standards for coastal classification. The simple topological character of the coast makes it possible to use a one‐dimensional model for longitudinal (alongshore) subdivision into quasi‐homogeneous segments of any convenient length. This is illustrated with reference to a case‐study locality on the Canadian Atlantic coast. Information related to specified sections of the coast is organized as a generalized data base. Using commercial data base management software gives great flexibility and power of application. The chief concession to the geographic and cartographic requirements is the use of a detailed digitized coastline file, which is linked to the divisions in the main file in order to produce maps as one of several forms of reporting.