SmartCoast: Coastal management digital twin pilot in Torres Strait, Queensland based on LiDAR and satellite EO data fusion, with a focus on mangroves

SmartSat CRC
Role

Collaborator

Description

SmartCoast is a research-industry collaboration between James Cook University, EOMAP and Fugro (Brisbane) to co-design a coastal management digital twin pilot that supports Geodata for the management of the effects of climate change and sea level rise is sensitive coastal areas, with a particular focus mangrove management and monitoring in Torres Strait, Queensland. For best practice we propose using satellite EO-LiDAR data fusion to provide accurate baseline data and models whilst also offering a cost-effective means to monitor change. The activities will be to: 1) develop an efficient method to measure and detect mangroves accurately using satellite and LiDAR fusion technologies, 2) create and evaluate a research-based methodology for mangrove carbon sequestration estimates for Blue Carbon efforts that are essential measures of some key ecosystem benefits and will bring revenue to Queensland (via carbon credits), 3) develop change detection technique based on the relatively low cost satellite data to monitor and predict shoreline ecosystem change (e.g. decrease of mangrove coverage) that are essential indicators for risk management monitoring regarding rising sea levels and extreme weather events, 4) hold workshops to understand the needs of Queensland coastal management decision makers and codesign a digital twin pilot (prototype) project in Torres Strait. Expected outcomes are: 1) successful transferral of research, methods and expertise on mangrove management and earth observation techniques to an industry-led project; 2) a pilot platform (prototype) for coastal management to demonstrate the value of a digital twin of northern Queensland; 3) evaluation about commercialisation and scalability of the digital twin.

Date

22 Apr 2024 - 21 Apr 2025

Project Type

GRANT

Keywords

LIDAR;Remote Sensing

Funding Body

SmartSat CRC

Amount

50000

Project Team

Norm Duke;Adam Canning