TY - JOUR
T1 - Use of low-cost technologies for monitoring user density on beaches
T2 - a case study of Guarita Beach, southern Brazil
AU - Guia Albuquerque, Miguel da
AU - Silva, Carlos Pereira da
AU - Pereira de Paula, Davis
AU - Almeida Espinoza, Jean Marcel de
AU - Moreira, Jade
AU - Cordeiro Façanha, Matheus
AU - Moura Leisner, Melvin
AU - Chiaffitelli Gandra, Lucas
AU - Rodrigues Bendô, Antonio Raylton
N1 - info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/FCT/6817 - DCRRNI ID/UIDB%2F04647%2F2020/PT#
info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/FCT/6817 - DCRRNI ID/UIDP%2F04647%2F2020/PT#
UIDB/04647/2020
UIDP/04647/2020
PY - 2024/12/20
Y1 - 2024/12/20
N2 - Coastal management is centered around the regulation of resources and conflicts resolution to the use and occupation of coastal environments. In this context, developing tools capable of analyzing and addressing issues related to high user density on beaches has become increasingly needed among coastal managers. Coastal monitoring with a focus on low cost and citizen participation has become essential to formulate more qualitative management strategies with coastal municipalities, especially during peak tourist seasons. This study used orthorectified images collected by the CoastSnap network and UAV images to characterize user density on Guarita Beach in Torres, southern Brazil. Images from January 15, 2024, were used, collected between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., with samples taken every 3 hours. Superpixel segmentation was employed for user counting, involving the partitioning of the image into various pixel groupings. These images were segmented into two classes: free and occupied beach area. Subsequently, binary images (masks) for both classes were generated. Densities were then calculated using a spatial density algorithm (kernel), assigning a density distribution for each date to represent the occupancy level on the beach. Across 84 hectares of beach, the results showed that the highest levels of beach occupancy were 59.47% and 21.95% at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., respectively. The lowest peaks of occupancy occurred at 9 a.m. and 12 p.m., with 26.63% and 19.76% of users present, respectively. These occupancy values are considered moderate compared to other beaches in the region. The lower percentages of beachgoers in this area can be attributed to its location within a State Park, leading to more restricted access compared to other locations. Finally, the obtained results validate the use of CoastSnap for monitoring the number of users on beaches, demonstrating this tool's potential in management of coastal environments.
AB - Coastal management is centered around the regulation of resources and conflicts resolution to the use and occupation of coastal environments. In this context, developing tools capable of analyzing and addressing issues related to high user density on beaches has become increasingly needed among coastal managers. Coastal monitoring with a focus on low cost and citizen participation has become essential to formulate more qualitative management strategies with coastal municipalities, especially during peak tourist seasons. This study used orthorectified images collected by the CoastSnap network and UAV images to characterize user density on Guarita Beach in Torres, southern Brazil. Images from January 15, 2024, were used, collected between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., with samples taken every 3 hours. Superpixel segmentation was employed for user counting, involving the partitioning of the image into various pixel groupings. These images were segmented into two classes: free and occupied beach area. Subsequently, binary images (masks) for both classes were generated. Densities were then calculated using a spatial density algorithm (kernel), assigning a density distribution for each date to represent the occupancy level on the beach. Across 84 hectares of beach, the results showed that the highest levels of beach occupancy were 59.47% and 21.95% at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., respectively. The lowest peaks of occupancy occurred at 9 a.m. and 12 p.m., with 26.63% and 19.76% of users present, respectively. These occupancy values are considered moderate compared to other beaches in the region. The lower percentages of beachgoers in this area can be attributed to its location within a State Park, leading to more restricted access compared to other locations. Finally, the obtained results validate the use of CoastSnap for monitoring the number of users on beaches, demonstrating this tool's potential in management of coastal environments.
U2 - https://doi.org/10.2112/JCR-SI113-025.1
DO - https://doi.org/10.2112/JCR-SI113-025.1
M3 - Article
SN - 0749-0208
VL - 113
SP - 125
EP - 129
JO - Journal Of Coastal Research
JF - Journal Of Coastal Research
IS - sp1
ER -
