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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).

The UCIT philosophy: data, models an analysis tools

Van Koningsveld et al. (2005) describe the development of the UCIT concept and an experimental application of this concept to Dutch coastal managment. UCIT is developed with the "frame of reference"-approach as a basis. The "frame of reference"-approach, developed by Van Koningsveld (2003) aims to facilitate the communication between researchers and end users of research, in a practice oriented research context. To facilitate the step from conceptual to actual quantitative information the conceptual frame of reference was expanded to a more concrete instrument, viz. UCIT (see Figure 2).

A fundamental notion behind UCIT is that for stretches of coast that are regularly monitored and constantly subject to management activities, the same data, models and Coastal State Indicators (CSIs) are used time and again! Once CSIs are selected they are commonly to be extracted from the field data and to be analysed on a routine basis. Data helps to monitor a CSIs past values and trends. Models may be used to predict their future state and evolution. GIS is used for visualisation and (at least at the moment)less for a direct analysis.

The interaction between specialists and end users would greatly benefit from a system where these three elements are combined in a structured and efficient manner. To test this notion the UCIT philosophy was put to the test in an application for the Dutch coast. The Dutch coast fits the previously mentioned criteria in the sense that there is an extensive database containing bathymetric and topographic profiles. Dutch coastal management focuses on a number of topics using well defined coastal state indicators. In the Dutch example case coastline preservation and dune strength preservation are the main
CSIs, JARKUS data is the main data source (transect based) and coastal area, coastal profile and coastline models are the main modelling instruments included.

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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