Gingin Coastal Drone Monitoring for Erosion Management

Gingin Coastal Drone Monitoring for Erosion Management

The Shire of Gingin and the Department of Transport partnered to better understand seasonal and storm-driven changes to their coastline. This included focus areas around Lancelin, Ledge Point, and Seabird. The coastline faces growing threats from erosion, storm surges, and long-term inundation. To support local resilience efforts, Land Insights led the Gingin coastal drone monitoring program.

Working with ProSurveys, our team conducted aerial surveys at three intervals during 2021—autumn, spring, and after a major winter storm. These time points allowed direct comparison between seasonal variation and extreme weather impacts. The results informed planning for beach access, foreshore protection, and infrastructure resilience.

Land Insights deployed a Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) at each location. We captured oblique and nadir imagery using overlapping flight paths. Our team processed the imagery through advanced photogrammetry software to produce orthomosaic maps, 3D terrain models, digital elevation models, and contour lines.

These outputs gave the Shire and Department a clear, repeatable way to measure sand movement, dune retreat, and beach profile changes over time. With this evidence, decision-makers can better plan coastal defences, monitor erosion, and adapt local policies.

The Gingin coastal drone monitoring project highlights the value of cost-effective and non-invasive spatial tools. By using repeatable drone data, coastal managers gain deeper insights and can make more informed decisions to protect vulnerable areas.

To explore similar spatial services for local government and infrastructure agencies, visit our drone mapping and coastal monitoring services. For broader regional planning context, see the Department of Transport’s Coastal Adaptation Program.