COASTAL EROSION, MAPPING, MODELLING & TESTING


intervals, generating over 2 million points per scan. Whilst this data capture is itself uniquely innovative, the analysis of such a large volume of information presents significant challenges. To overcome this, the system streams data live from Whitby to Durham, where new algorithms have been developed to process the 3D data to extract rockfall volumes in real time. Using these results, the project is designed to tackle the challenge of precisely monitoring coastal cliff erosion and gain a new understanding from this. For example, it is known that many landslides and rockfall are preceded by precursors, such as smaller-scale movements or smaller rockfall, yet capturing data with sufficient resolution and frequency has up until now not been possible. The intention of this analysis is to investigate these processes with a view to both better forecasting erosion, and also assessing whether such precursors can be used as warnings for future rockfall. The intention of the research is to move beyond Whitby and the UK’s coasts. The more usual location of 3D Laser Mapping’s Site Monitor system is in some of the world’s largest open pit mines, where rockfall and slope failure presents a significant challenge for sustaining mine productivity. The insight into the fundamental mechanics of how rockfall evolves, gained from the research at the cliffs in Whitby, is designed to be transferrable to these settings and enhance the reliability of slope failure early warning systems.


A screenshot showing the live streaming of the data from the monitored cliff face


The help of the local community has been key in enabling the infrastructure for this project. The findings will be available through an open access website soon so everyone involved will be able to see the results as they happen.


3D Laser Mapping are supported by the Royal Academy of Engineering under the Pathways to Growth scheme. For more information


on the scheme please contact Catherine Lawrence (Email: Catherine.lawrence@ raeng.org.uk). For more information on the activities detailed in the article please contact Eileen Pegg (01949 838004; E-mail: eileenpegg@3dlasermapping.com) and /or visit www.3dlasermapping.com and www. dogweb.dur.ac.uk/cobra.


An example of the data that is captured by the system every 30 minutes is shown above. This image shows a 3D view of the cliff, captured in February 2015. On the right it is possible to see the cottages at the end of Henrietta St, the walkway down to the pier, and East Cliff. This image is taken from measurements every c. 10 cm across the cliff face. On the page opposite (page 2) is an image of the same area of the cliff, taken from the viewpoint of the monitoring system.


Monitoring 3D laser mapping www.innovationandresearchfocus.org.uk Innovation & Research Focus Issue 101 MAY 2015 3


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