In principle UCIT represents a philosophy that aims to conveniently combine data, models and tools for analysis for the benefit of end users and researchers. It is developed with the "frame of reference"-approach as a basis as described in Van Koningsveld et al. (2004).
Although each UCIT has its own peculiarities, some basic steps may be identified. The next chapter focuses on a brief description of those steps.
Setting up a new UCIT site
Generally, the development of a dedicated UCIT system involves a four-step approach, preceded by an initial step. The approach must be iterative, meaning that the various steps are filled in (partly) simultaneously and steps may influence each other.
Step 0: Initial phase
This initial step is used to figure out whether it is possible to define the main management problems in terms of the "frame of reference". Especially three items are important:
- Fill in the 'basic' frame of reference for the coastal area under consideration:
- is it possible to define relevant CSIs?
- is data available to realise the CSIs?
- is it possible to define and develop methods to quantify the CSIs from data?
*After it is concluded that it is really possible to develop a UCIT the next steps can be
implemented.
Step 1: Initialising the UCIT environment
Once it has become apparent from Step 0 that a given site is in principle fit for the setup of a UCIT system, a next step is to actually work out a practical data structure. Once other UCITs are in place, basic algorithms for visualisation and analysis may be reused. Often small modification are necessary however.
- Execute basic data processing:
- design an appropriate data structure,
- prepare raw data input for batch processing,
- process raw data into a UCIT format, and
- check data output.
- Test standard analysis capabilities
- Test basic visualization routines, and
- Test a graphical user interface for easy access.
Step 2: Identification of relevant CSIs
From the inventory of CSIs in Step 0, a selection of those to be implemented has to be
made. This step is very important, as it determines whether or not the development of the
UCIT is in line with the wishes of the future users.
Although the data can be used to set up the UCIT backbone, this phase is responsible for the crucial link to coastal management problem(s). In fact this step of joint problem definition is the most important phase in the UCIT setup process. For implementation purposes problem definition along the lines of the 'basic' frame of reference is most suitable.
- Demonstrate the current state of the UCIT system
- Identify relevant CSIs
- interaction with problem owner and future end user of the UCIT system
- definition of the main management problems in terms of the 'frame of reference'
- selection of the appropriate CSI
- Perform literature review and initial study
- inventory of available procedures for CSI quantification
- initial prototype algorithm development
Step 3: Quantification of time series of CSIs and benchmarking
Once a set of relevant CSIs, and algorithms for their quantification, has been stablished, it is important to test these in a practical case. This will reveal a range of additional practical requirements, such as the inclusion of aerial photographs of batch routines for automatic analysis, and potential technical improvements, such as addition of other data sources or data analysis techniques etc. This step is crucial to get support of all stakeholders.
- Implement relevant CSI(s) and fine tuning of UCIT backbone
- interaction with problem owner and future end user of the UCIT system on the developed prototype algorithms
- Rethink the benchmarking procedure
- Rethink the prototype benchmarking procedure developed in Step 2
- demonstration of the algorithms on a practical case
Step 4: Advanced methods
This step becomes important once all the basics of the UCIT system are in place and the system is soundly embedded in an operational Coastal Zone Management environment. It involves the inclusion of more advanced methods like sophisticated data analysis tools, morphological forecasting models and monitoring techniques. Basic processing techniques enable the quantitative assessment of the present barrier state in support of CZM decision making. In addition, advanced methods (such as numerical models) allow for the assessment of future impact scenarios and the investigation of alternative management strategies.
*Potential inclusion of more sophisticated models, e.g.
-
- morphological forecasting and impact assessment models
- integration with synoptic high resolution monitoring systems, e.g ARGUS
- etc.
Cited literature
Van Koningsveld, M., 2003. Matching specialist knowledge with end user needs. Bridging the gap between coastal science and coastal management. PhD thesis, Twente University, Enschede, The Netherlands. ISBN 90-365-1897-0
VAN KONINGSVELD, M. and MULDER, J.P.M., 2004. Sustainable coastal policy developments in the Netherlands. A systematic approach revealed. Journal of Coastal Research, 20(2), 375-385.
Van Koningsveld, M.; M.J.F. Stive and J.P.M. Mulder, 2005. "Balancing research efforts and management needs. A challenge to coastal engineering." Proceedings of the 29th Int Conf. of Coast. Eng. Lisbon, Portugal, 2004. pp. 2985 - 2997
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