Remote sensing of Korean tidal flats

Abstract

In Korea, coastal reclamation was constructed as a project to create vast rice fields while simultaneously serving a symbolic role demonstrating the country’s capacity for reconstruction that began in 1953. Korean tidal flats are increasingly being changed by various construction projects. This chapter reviews the remote sensing techniques used to monitor Korean tidal flats and suggests appropriate techniques for meeting monitoring targets for the effective management of tidal flats. Three different monitoring targets were examined: topography, sedimentary facies, and bio facies. Waterline method and SAR interferometry have been used for generating the intertidal digital elevation model (DEM). Sedimentary facies of the tidal flats can be classified into the three categories mud, mixed, and sand, at a spatial resolution of 4 m. A potential map for macro benthos was generated with high accuracy based on the spatial variables such as exposure time and sedimentary facies map. The details of those data can be further enhanced by the use of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and new satellite system. Thematic maps based on remote sensing can help improve policy decisions from a management perspective. In this study, contents were constructed and summarized according to the research of Ryu et al. (Ocean Coast Manage 102:458-470, 2014).