Aerial photogrammetry data and products of the North Carolina coast

This data release presents structure-from-motion (SfM) products derived from aerial imagery collected along the North Carolina coast in response to storm events and the recovery process. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) researchers use the aerial imagery and products to assess future coastal vulnerability, nesting habitats for wildlife, and provide data for hurricane impact models. This research is part of the Remote Sensing Coastal Change Project.

Products include digital elevation models and orthorectified imagery (RGB-averaged products) created from aerial imagery surveys with precise Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) navigation data flown in a piloted fixed-wing aircraft. The products span the coast over both highly developed towns and natural areas, including federal lands such as Cape Lookout National Seashore and Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

These products represent the Outer Banks coastline before and after Hurricane Dorian and subsequent storm and beach recovery monitoring flights. The area covered extends from the Virginia-North Carolina border vicinity and Cape Lookout, North Carolina. Products are provided separately for each survey and will continue to be published as collected and processed.

This work has been supported by the U.S. Geological Survey Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program and by Congressional appropriations through the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act of 2019 (H.R. 2157).