Geomatics for monitoring railroad infrastructure Impact on the coastal environment

Abstract

The expansion and maintenance of railroad infrastructure in coastal zones pose significant challenges to environmental sustainability, particularly concerning shoreline dynamics, habitat alteration, and landscape fragmentation. This study explores the application of geomatics—integrating remote sensing, GIS, and geospatial analysis—for monitoring and assessing the environmental impacts of rail networks along coastal areas. Using multi-temporal satellite imagery, UAV-based photogrammetry, and digital elevation models (DEMs), we evaluated changes in land cover, coastline retreat, and ecosystem health across selected Mediterranean sites impacted by rail development. Results highlight measurable shifts in dune morphology, vegetation cover loss, and increased erosion rates in proximity to infrastructure corridors. The paper demonstrates how geomatics provides a cost-effective, scalable, and repeatable methodology for environmental impact assessment and long-term coastal monitoring. The integration of spatial data supports decision-makers in designing mitigation strategies and balancing infrastructure needs with coastal ecosystem preservation.