Diploma Thesis Defense by Mrs. Anastasaki Sarri Dionysia Maria

Thesis Title: «Coastal erosion monitorin using unmanned aerial vehicle. Application in Varkiza Bay, Attica, Greece»

Wednesday 12 February 2020, at: 11:00, Venue: Hall Κ2.Α3

 

Diploma Thesis Defense by Mrs. Anastasaki Sarri Dionysia Maria

09/19/2019

Thesis Title:  «Coastal erosion monitorin using unmanned aerial vehicle. Application in Varkiza Bay, Attica, Greece»

Wednesday 12 February 2020, at: 11:00, Venue: Hall Κ2.Α3

Examination Committee

  • Professor  Costas Synolakis (advisor)
  • Professor Elia Psillakis
  • Professor Nicolas Kalogerakis

Abstract

In this diploma thesis, the changes in the embankment beach profile of Varkiza bay, Attica, Greece for nine months have been investigated. Based on a previous study of the Varkiza Bay coastline, new measurements have been carried out with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in order to evaluate it as a mean of topographic imaging and monitoring as well as the production of results for coastal elevation changes. Three UAV and one GPS imprints(measures) were carried out and then three digital elevation models (DEM) were constructed and the corresponding 3D maps of the beach were created with 3D information.

In conclusion, the data obtained, show that unmanned aerial vehicles produce high-precision results for coastal erosion studies and shore sediment life cycle monitoring. Comparison of GPS and UAV methods has made it clear that UAVs allow a satisfactory assessment of the dynamics of a beach and are a cost-effective, simple and fast way to collect and process data. The analysis of the results also showed that during the winter season the coast of Varkiza Bay lacks sediment and the incline of the coast is steeper, while during summer season the coast is more uniform and mild smooth. Finally, the results of this thesis could also be used to evaluate mild small-scale interventions on the coastal front.