Taking hourly images is a very effective method of beach data collection.
Commercial systems such as the ARGUS system (e.g. as used at the Gold Coast Reef) have been in operation for more than a decade. Cameras are positioned in a stable location as high as possible above the beach (e.g. the water tower at Wooli), and images are collected and either stored or sent to a web-site. Images can then be analysed to develop a quantified understanding of beach response and trends. With today ‘s technology there are many inexpensive options such as an HD video camera in a housing using a smart-phone to transmit images, or a HD webcam sending images straight to the internet (as with many of the surfing forecast sites worldwide). It works well as long as the images are of high enough resolution and the camera location and elevation along with sufficient image control points are known.
For example, ASR runs a very simple automated system at its technical headquarters in Raglan, New Zealand. Hourly images from high above the beach and harbour entrance are posted on www.snow.co.nz which are automatically downloaded to ASR ‘s server, automatically rectified and added to an archive tool that allows the user to visually assess the data, fit curves and trend lines to the harbour delta, match images of any period of time to the coincident wave and wind data, etc These rectified images provide a great deal of information on beach processes with respect to the surf-zone, which can be used to infer bars, rip-cells, etc.
CCPA is in discussion with the Council to gain access to the water tower so that cameras can be mounted there. We are also working with CVC to cost the system with a view to applying for public funding if necessary.
Once the system is operational its results will be posted on this website for members information