WebGIS Implementation for Dynamic Mapping and Visualization of Coastal Geospatial Data: A Case Study of BESS Project

Within an E.U.-funded project, BESS (Pocket BeachManagement and Remote Surveillance System),
the notion of a geographic information system is an indispensable tool for managing the dynamics
of georeferenced data and information for any form of territorial planning. This notion was further
explored with the creation of aWebGIS portal that will allow local and regional stakeholders/authorities
obtain an easy remote access tool tomonitor the status of pocket beaches (PB) in theMaltese Archipelago
and Sicily. In this paper, we provide a methodological approach for the implementation of aWebGIS
necessary for very detailed dynamic mapping and visualization of geospatial coastal data; the description
of the dataset necessary for the monitoring of coastal areas, especially the PBs; and a demonstration
of a case study for the PBs of Sicily andMalta by using the methodology and the dataset used during
the BESS project. Detailed steps involved in the creation of theWebGIS are presented. These include
data preparation, data storage, and data publication and transformation into geo-services. With the help
of different Open Geospatial Consortium protocols, theWebGIS displays different layers of information
for 134 PBs including orthophotos, sedimentological/geomorphological beach characteristics, shoreline
evolution, geometric and morphological parameters, shallow water bathymetry, and photographs of
pocket beaches. TheWebGIS allows not only for identifying, evaluating, and directing potential solutions
to present and arising issues, but also enables public access and involvement. It reflects a platform
for future local and regional coastal zone monitoring and management, by promoting public/private
involvement in addressing coastal issues and providing local public administrations with an improved
technology to monitor coastal changes and help better plan suitable interventions.