Preliminary investigation into monitoring coastal erosion using terrestrial laser scanning : case study at Happisburgh, Norfolk

The methodology and findings of the application of terrestrial laser scanning to monitor coastal erosion are discussed and put into the wider context of coastal erosion and geology. A terrestrial laser has been used in conjunction with a highly accurate differential Global Positioning System (dGPS) to orient the laser survey and obtain point data of cliff and beach surfaces. These data are captured annually to enable the modelling of cliff retreat over time. The conceptual model generated from this research on cliffs south of Happisburgh, Norfolk, are described to illustrate the value of the methodology. Rates of cliff retreat and volume loss have been calculated and an erosion model for Happisburgh has been developed.