DOI: 10.3990/2.189

 

Jubilee Conference Proceedings, NCK-Days 2012

MorphAn: A new software tool to assess sandy coasts

Q.J. Lodder1 and P.F.C. van Geer2 1Rijkswaterstaat, waterdienst, P.O.Box 17, 8224 AD, Lelystad, the Netherlands 2Deltares, P.O.Box 177, 2600 MH, Delft, the Netherlands, Pieter.vanGeer@deltares.nl

ABSTRACT

We present a new software tool called “MorphAn” that enables easy assessment of sandy coasts. MorphAn provides the possibility to import data of various formats. The software pays special attention to coastal data provided in the so-called Jarkus format. Data can be analyzed with a GIS based map view. Simultaneously an overview of the profile development in time or a more detailed picture of the actual measurements is given. Furthermore, MorphAn includes the possibility to assess coasts for dune safety according the safety assessment rules VTV2006. The software program gives a graphically presentation of the calculation results of dune erosion according to the Duros+ and D++ model as well as calculation results of the normative erosion points. MorphAn also provides the possibility to calculate and visualize the momentary coastline (MKL) and the expected near future coast line position (TKL). The software is freely available and expected to become open source in 2012.

INTRODUCTION

This short paper will introduce you to a new and freely available software tool called “MorphAn”. MorphAn enables the user to assess the safety and beach development of sandy coasts.

In 2008 the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment commissioned Deltares to start the build of a new software tool. The aim of this software is to support assessment of dune safety and beach development. Rijkswaterstaat plans to present MorphAn as its official and supported tool for assessment of dune safety in The Netherlands. From the start of the project, one of the main goals has been to release MorphAn as a freely available, preferably open source, software tool. At this moment, the beta version of MorphAn is freely available. Release of the source code is expected at the end of 2012.

Data analysis, Dune safety assessment and coastal development assessment are the three pillars that form the basis of MorphAn. This paper will discuss the figures and tools included in MorphAn to support each of these pillars.

DATA ANALYSES

One of the most important aspects of assessing dune safety or coastal development is analyzing the data that is used to calculate a dune crest retreat point after a storm or momentary coastline. MorphAn offers the ability to import and analyze so-called jarkus measurements (yearly measurements of coastal profiles). A default jarkus dataset that includes most yearly measurements of the Dutch coast between 1965 and 2011 accompanies the software. Next to that, there is also the possibility to import user defined datasets or expand the default dataset with additional measurements.

Once the data is imported, it is possible to specify a list of locations that is used in all operations throughout the program. MorphAn ignores all measurements at locations not in that list.

To accommodate a thorough analysis of the imported data MorphAn provides various types of views that enable the user to analyze the data at different levels of aggregation and along the various dimensions in time and space. This section will introduce you briefly to the types of figures included in MorphAn.

Map overview The map overview provides a GIS based map that gives a top

view of the measurements in space and time. Figure 1 gives an example of the jarkus measurements at Texel for 2011. Blue lines represent the wet parts of the measurements, whereas the sandy colored lines represent dry measurements. Interpolated profile parts can be recognized by the tomato red colored lines. MorphAn also includes a time navigator to control the period that is presented on the map.

Due to its GIS nature it is easy to expand the map by including for example shapefiles as is shown by including the Texel district boundaries and names in Figure 1.

Transect side view The transect side view (Figure 2) shows a single jarkus

measurement in the local coordinate system (RSP). The side view distinguishes wet measurements, dry measurements and the interpolated profile part with the same coloring as the map overview. Furthermore, the side view interrupts the plotted line whenever more than 10 meter separates the measured points. This enables visual assessment of the quality and origin of the jarkus measurements.

Transects comparison view With the transects comparison view (Figure 3) it is possible to

compare jarkus measurements in time for one location or in space for a specific year. This enables the user to look at profile development of a certain feature in time or space. Each measurement is now plotted by a single (unique) color. The tool offers various color scales to customize the image.

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