Mapping coastal environments with lidar and EM on Mustang Island, Texas, U.S.

We explore whether lidar (light detection and ranging) and EM (electromagnetic induction) can improve the accuracy and resolution of wetland mapping that has historically been based chiefly on analysis of aerial photographs. Using Mustang Island on the central Texas coast as an example, we exploit (1) the known strong relationship between elevation and coastal habitat by comparing a lidar-derived digital elevation model (DEM) with existing wetland maps and detailed vegetation transects, and (2) another known strong relationship between soil and water salinity and coastal habitat by collecting and comparing EM-derived conductivity data with elevation and vegetation type across the island.