Shore type feature protocols were developed for mapping and GIS database development according to a bay segmentation scheme previously adopted by the SBNEP for its technical projects. A detailed photointerpretation key was assembled to guide the work process of mapping and GIS database development. Dates of aerial photography encompassed 1998, 1999 and 2001.
Imagery was derived from source photography at scales between 1:8,000 and 1:24,000 as obtained from the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), Manatee and Sarasota County Governments. Shore type features were mapped via photointerpretation and groundtruthing according to a cover classification system including geomorphic, shore morphology and intertidal vegetation tiers. Query analyses were performed to tabulate and chart the proportion of feature classes within the entire study area and within each bay segment.
Shoreline types observed:
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Beach – Sandy, sloped area with little or no vegetation.
Bulkhead – Sea wall, usually made of poured concrete, or corrugated metal that has been back-filled with gravel.
- Deep wetland – A continuous vegetated buffer composed of wetland plants that is at least 5 meters deep.
- Patchy wetland – A non-continuous vegetated buffer composed of wetland plants that is less than 5 meters deep.
- Riprap – Shoreline armoring consisting of piled-up rocks, stones or concrete rubble, designed to reduce erosion.
- Solid wetland – A continuous vegetated buffer composed of wetland plants that is less than 5 meters deep.
- Upland shoreline – High and dry, unarmored shoreline, usually resulting when a canal is cut through an upland area; may or may not be vegetated.
