Historic topographic sheets to satellite imagery—A methodology for evaluating coastal change in Florida‘s Big Bend tidal marsh

Raabe, Ellen A.; Streck, Amy E.; Stumpf, Richard P.

Abstract:

This open-file report details the methodology used to rectify, digitize, and mosaic nineteen 19th century topographic sheets on the marsh-dominated Big Bend Gulf coast of Florida. Historic charts of tidal marshes in Florida‘s Big Bend were prepared in a digital grid-based format for comparison with modern features derived from 1995 satellite imagery. The chart-by-chart rectification process produced a map accuracy of ± 8 m. An effort was made to evaluate secondary map features, such as tree islands, but changes during the intervening years exceed standard surveying errors and rendered the analysis ineffective. A map, at 1:300,000 comparing historic and modern features, is provided to illustrate major changes along the coastline. Shoreline erosion is exceeded by the inland migration of the intertidal zone onto adjoining coastal forest lands. While statements of mapping accuracy are provided in the text, graphic representation of changes in the intertidal zone may be inexact at any given location. Thus caution is advised for site-specific applications. Maps and digital files provided should be used to visualize overall trends and regional anomalies, and not used to critically assess features at a particular location. Final product includes mosaic of historic coastal features and comparison to modern features.

Genre:

USGS Numbered Series

ProdID:

50641

Citation Author:

Raabe, Ellen A.; Streck, Amy E.; Stumpf, Richard P.

Citation Contributing Office:

St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center

Citation Datum:

World Geodetic System 1984

Citation Day:

Citation Edition:

Revised June 28, 2012

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Citation End Page:

Citation Issue:

Citation Keywords:

Citation Language:

English

Citation Larger Work Title:

Citation LatN:

0301500

Citation LatS:

0281000

Citation LonE:

-0823000

Citation LonW:

-0843000

Citation Month:

Citation No Pagination:

Citation Number Of Pages:

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Citation Phsyical Description:

i, 44 p.; Report Readme text file; Plate 4: 36 x 48 inches; Geodata download; Data Readme text file

Citation Projection:

Universal Transverse Mercator, Zone 17, Row R

Citation Public Comments:

Citation Publisher:

U.S. Geological Survey

Citation Series:

Open-File Report

Citation Series Code:

OFR

Citation Series Number:

2002-211

Citation Search Results Text:

Historic topographic sheets to satellite imagery—A methodology for evaluating coastal change in Florida‘s Big Bend tidal marsh; 2004; OFR; 2002-211; Raabe, Ellen A.; Streck, Amy E.; Stumpf, Richard P.