Characterization of the Nigerian Shoreline using Publicly-Available Satellite Imagery

Current methods of shoreline mapping include aerial and high-resolution satellite imagery and ground-based surveying, all of which require considerable investment of human and material resources. Mapping and continuous updating of the shoreline for developing countries, such as Nigeria, is a challenge. Most of the information on the Nigerian shoreline is based on ‘surveys of opportunity’ performed by various government agencies over a wide time span. Additional surveys conducted by the multi-national oil and gas companies exploring in the region are typically not available for use by government agencies. In cases where the data are available, the variety in methods used for shoreline mapping can result in inconsistencies