The RESPONSE Project team has developed a regional scale innovative methodology for coastal evolution studies and risk mapping, taking account of the likely impacts of climate change. The methodology describes a mapping process (a sequence of nine maps) by which local and regional authorities can identify the location and nature of current and future hazards and risks at the coast.

The methodology for developing coastal evolution and risk maps is based upon a geomorphological appraisal of a regional length of coastline. The approach promotes a process by which the coastline can be classified into sections, determined by its geomorphological characteristics, the vulnerability of coastal settlements and its sensitivity to forcing factors.

Knowledge of the sensitivity of a coastline to coastal and climate change enables engineers, planners and decision-makers to anticipate impacts that could emerge over future decades and prioritise resources and management efforts that need to be undertaken to minimise the risks or to mitigate possible consequences.

The RESPONSE mapping methodology details the development of risk maps through a sequence of nine maps. The maps may be developed as a paper-based exercise, or alternatively the maps can be developed and stored within a GIS, depending on available resources.

The RESPONSE Project methodology has been demonstrated in five regional coastal study areas in Europe, which were selected to represent the range of morphological types found along the coast of Europe. For more information about how the RESPONSE methodology was applied in each of these study areas, see section 3 of this CD-Rom.

To download the full report 'Methodology for the Development of Coastal Evolution and Risks Maps'
CLICK HERE
(1.2MB)

( Annex 1 / Annex 2 )
(134KB) / (40.4KB)