How citizen science is tracking changes in shorelines around the world
The CoastSnap project utilizes citizen science to monitor shoreline changes by encouraging the public to take photos from designated stations. These images are processed by software to track coastal erosion and the effectiveness of beach replenishment efforts globally.
Why it matters
This initiative demonstrates how crowdsourced data can provide researchers with high-frequency, low-cost monitoring of climate-impacted coastal environments.
Praa Sands beach in Cornwall. There are CoastSnap stations in 21 countries, including along England’s south-west coast. Praa Sands beach in Cornwall. There are CoastSnap stations in 21 countries, including along England’s south-west coast. Weatherwatch Coastlines How citizen science is tracking changes in shorelines around the world An app and a camera phone are all that’s needed at more than 200 spots to help researchers monitor coastal areas
Prefer the Guardian on Google The shoreline changes with the weather. Tracking these changes over time is a labour-intensive task, and an army of citizen scientists with camera phones is a great asset.
The CoastSnap project started in Australia in 2017 and has spread to beaches worldwide. You may have spotted the setup while out walking along the coast: a cradle to rest your phone on while taking a picture and a sign explaining where to send the snap.
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