This book discusses recent developments and specific applications that can be used to help marine scientists and conservationists enhance their skills.

Increasingly used to analyze and manage marine and coastal zones, Geographical Information Systems (GIS) provide a powerful set of tools for integrating and processing spatial information. These technologies are increasingly used in the management and analysis of the coastal zone. Supplying the guidance necessary to use these tools, GIS for Coastal Zone Management explores key technical, theoretical, and applications issues. Drawing on the practical experience of experts in the field, the book discusses recent developments and specific applications. A comprehensive, authoritative, and up-to-date overview of the state-of-the-art in coastal zone GIS applications, this down-to-earth and practical book puts the science in a management context. The chapters present groundbreaking coastal applications of GIS based decision support tools, spatial data infrastructures, remote sensing technology including LiDAR and CASI, and more. Covering a broad range of topics by international experts, the logical organization supplies a flow and structure to the entire book that makes the information not only easily accessible but immediately applicable.