Our lab uses remote sensing and field surveys to study how coastal landscapes change over time. We work with drone, aerial, satellite, and LiDAR data to map coastal environments at different spatial and temporal scales. Much of our current research focuses on living shoreline projects, where we conduct repeat drone surveys to measure changes in coastal vegetation, shoreline position, and elevation.
Current Research
1. Hybrid Living Shorelines — using repeat, high-resolution drone surveys to quantify coastal habitat and geomorphological changes before, during, and after the installation of hybrid shoreline stabilization structures, including wave attenuators and oyster breakwaters.
2. Living Shorelines & Seagrass — combining drone-based mapping and ecological field observations to monitor seagrass, salt marsh, and geomorphological changes associated with living shoreline installations.
3. Coastal habitat classification — collecting georeferenced vegetation and habitat reference data on Shackleford Banks to support remote sensing-based habitat mapping and map accuracy assessment.
Workflows and Data Curation
Developing repeatable methods for processing, analyzing, and sharing coastal geospatial data, with an emphasis on spatial accuracy, uncertainty, and reproducibility.
Our Crew
Our lab is built on collaboration, with students and partners working side by side in the field and lab.
Join the Lab
We welcome motivated students who want to apply geospatial tools to coastal science.
