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Monitoring Our Coastlines

CoastSnap is a global citizen science project to capture our changing coastlines. No matter where you are in the world, if you have a smartphone and an interest in the coast, we welcome you to participate!

What is CoastSnap?

CoastSnap is a global citizen science project to capture our changing coastlines. No matter where you are in the world, if you have a smartphone and an interest in the coast, we welcome you to participate!

The more photos we have of a particular site, the better our understanding becomes of how that coastline is changing over time. 

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CoastSnap
How to get involved:
  • CoastSnap relies on repeat photos at the same location to track how the coast is changing over time due to processes such as storms, rising sea levels, human activities and other factors.

    Using a specialised technique known as photogrammetry, CoastSnap turns your photos into valuable coastal data that is used by coastal scientists to understand and forecast how coastlines might change in the coming decades. Photogrammetry enables the position of the coastline to be pinpointed from your snaps to an accuracy similar to that of professional coastal survey teams. All we ask is that you take the photos at the same location (by using one of our official CoastSnap camera cradles or a do-it-yourself adaptation) and record the precise photo time in the App.

  • 1.    Download the app

    Get the free Citizen Science App on Google Play for Android or in the Apple App Store.

    2.    Register

    Create an account with your email address to keep track of your snaps.

    3.    Start snapping

    Visit any CoastSnap location and follow the instructions on the sign to start contributing data. Once you have uploaded you snaps, they'll appear in the map below!

  • There are currently three CoastSnap locations setup on the Central Coast where anyone with a smartphone can get involved. Each monitoring station includes the instructions and phone cradle 

    Ocean Beach - The Esplanade / Barrenjoey Road - Ettalong Point. #CoastSnapOB
    Terrigal Lagoon / Wamberal Beach – Terrigal Drive, Terrigal. #CoastSnapWamberal
    The Entrance Channel - Marine Parade, The Entrance. #CoastSnapTheEntrance

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