April 4, 2025
Over the years, Outline Global has tackled diverse coastal monitoring challenges by combining our high-resolution aerial imagery, LiDAR technology, and AI-driven analytics to extract critical insights and deliver effective solutions for government and industry partners. These technologies allow us to monitor coastal environments with precision, addressing complex environmental queries and supporting decision-making for sustainable management.
The beautiful Albury coast, WA
How We’re Helping Australia’s Coasts
Here are some of the ways we’ve contributed to coastal monitoring across Australia:
Invasive Spartina Monitoring and Treatment
In 2018, we partnered with the Victorian Government to capture multispectral imagery (both visible and near-infrared spectrums) in Corner Inlet, targeting invasive Spartina (cordgrass) in intertidal areas. This work supported efforts to manage this problematic weed in shallow coastal inlets.
Seagrass Monitoring
Between 2015 and 2022, we conducted surveys in Fremantle – Owen Anchorage for Cockburn Cement and environmental consultants under BMT. These surveys required optimal water clarity for shallow offshore imaging, enabling effective monitoring of seagrass health, a critical component of marine ecosystems.
Dugong and Macro-Fauna Population Monitoring
In 2019, we supported aerial surveys for the NT Government (Department of Natural Resources) around Groote Eylandt in the Bay of Carpentaria using high-resolution imagery. These surveys verified manual counts of dugongs and other macro-fauna populations, contributing to biodiversity conservation efforts.
High-Resolution Beach Imagery
In 2016, we collaborated with the WA Government (Department of Parks and Wildlife in association with Landgate) to capture 3cm resolution coastal imagery of Pilbara – Barrow Islands, focusing on island beaches at specific tide times and low sun angles. This data provided detailed insights into beach dynamics for environmental management purposes.
Sandbank Navigation Support
From 2018 to 2022, we provided imagery for Gippsland Ports to assist boat users navigating smaller coastal ports in Gippsland. This work required capturing data at specific tidal times to ensure accurate identification of sandbanks and tidal areas that impact safe navigation.
Outline Global’s Strengths in Coastal Monitoring
Adaptability and Rapid Deployment
Coastal monitoring requires precise timing and favorable environmental conditions to capture high-quality imagery. Factors such as specific tidal times, clear skies, low winds, and minimal sun glare are critical for accurately representing coastal features. At Outline Global, we overcome these challenges through meticulous planning and an agile, on-demand approach. Our ability to deploy quickly ensures that we capture data during optimal conditions, delivering reliable and actionable insights tailored to the unique needs of each project.
High-Resolution Imagery
Our ability to deliver high-resolution aerial imagery and LiDAR data enables precise analysis of coastal environments. With resolutions as fine as 3cm, we capture intricate details of coastal features, ensuring accurate mapping of intertidal zones, sandbanks, and shallow waters. This level of precision is essential for monitoring changes over time, assessing environmental impacts, and supporting effective management strategies. By combining advanced imaging techniques with LiDAR’s 3D elevation data, we provide comprehensive insights that are critical for informed decision-making in coastal monitoring.
Collaboration with Government Partners
At Outline Global, collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. By working closely with government agencies and industry partners, we tailor solutions to meet the unique needs of each project.
Large-scale Coverage
Australia has the sixth longest coastline in the world. Outline Global specialises in airplane-based aerial surveys, enabling efficient monitoring of vast and remote coastal areas. Our ability to cover extensive regions ensures we can capture high-resolution data across diverse environments, from shallow offshore waters to expansive intertidal zones. This capability allows us to provide accurate and comprehensive insights into coastal dynamics, supporting effective management of Australia’s unique and varied coastlines.
Driving Coastal Intelligence with Technology
Our use of aerial imagery and LiDAR enables precise monitoring of coastal environments. By integrating AI analytics into our workflows, we can process vast amounts of data efficiently—identifying trends, mapping changes over time, and delivering actionable insights for stakeholders. Whether it’s protecting biodiversity or supporting local industries, these technologies are transforming how we manage Australia’s coasts.
Shaping the Future of Coastal Monitoring
Australia’s coastlines are dynamic, diverse, and vital to our environment and industries. At Outline Global, we believe that innovative technologies like aerial imagery, LiDAR, and AI analytics are key to understanding and managing these complex systems. By combining expertise with collaboration, we’re helping shape a sustainable future for our coastal environments.
Do you need to monitor part of our coastline? Get in touch.
References:
https://wgcma.vic.gov.au/protecting-corner-inlet/
https://www.unsw.edu.au/research/wrl/our-research/australian-coastal-observation-network
https://www.marinemammalhabitat.org/factsheets/southern-gulf-carpentaria/