Data archaeology
Data is often collected within the framework of short, small-scale research activities. It is recorded on paper, in books, in yearly reports, or digitally on the hard drive of the scientist,… It is hidden in archives of institutes and runs the risk of being lost due to incidental damage or catastrophic events. Not only paper records can be lost; records in out of date databases, Excel or text files are being stored on computers without the necessary back-up and safety procedures. In most cases, this data is not well-documented. This makes it almost impossible to use them without consulting with the data owner. This historical data is, however, indispensable to gather baseline information to compare to current and future insights on the marine environment.
Therefore, three historical datasets were identified to digitize and standardize. These datasets will permit to study the relationship between historical meteorological conditions and sediment redistribution and morphological changes of the beach.
- The height model of the beach zone of the Flemish coast was generated on a yearly basis in order to monitor coastal morphology for the purpose of coastal defense and beach zone management.
- Using the beach profiles, the effects of erosion and accretion of the beach can be studied. Along the Belgian coast, these profiles were measured on a regular basis. This is important, as these measurements took place on undisturbed beaches, unaffected by sand suppletions.
Height model of the beach zone (1983-1996)
The height model of the beach zone of the Flemish coast was created by Afdeling Kust and Eurosense Belfotop NV. The models were generated within the period 1983-1996 in order to monitor coastal morphology for the purpose of coastal defense and beach zone management. For the two CREST study areas (Mariakerke and West-Groenendijk), and for the nature reserve Westhoek, the analog data was requested and digitized. The results can be found in the geoportal (theme: Height).
Beach profiles (1971 - 1996)
The following data can be visualised through the online application Exploring beach profiles:
- Beach profiles measured by Afdeling Kust (MOW; 1971-1983)
These beach profiles were measured along the Belgian coast at certain markers. For the zone east of Blankenberge (starting from profile nr. 85), the exact location of these markers is unknown.
This dataset contains 828 profiles and comprises 11740 measurements.
Metadata on this dataset can be found here. -
Beach profiles measured by professor De Moor (1979-1996)
These beach profiles were measured along the Belgian coast at certain kilometer markers. The measurements at three kilometer markers (KP03, KP07 and KP 12) were digitized. These are shown in the application.
The dataset contains 431 profiles and comprises 73691 measurements.
Metadata on this dataset can be found here. - Beach profiles extracted from the Eurosense height models (1983-1996)
Where there is an intersection between the beach profiles (measured by Afdeling Kust) and the Eurosense height models of zones 8 and 17, additional beach profiles were extracted for the period 1983-1996. In the future, data for the more recently digitized zones 1 and 18 will be added as well.
This dataset contains 81 profiles and comprises 1236 measurements.
Metadata on this dataset can be found here.
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