Geostatistics and Structure from Motion Techniques for Coastal Pollution Assessment along the Policoro Coast (Southern Italy)

Abstract

The coastal system, with its physical chemical and biological components, is the place where the lithosphere, atmosphere and hydrosphere intersect and interact, and in which human activity has a considerable impact on the balance of the whole ecosystem. The aim of this study is to assess the health of the coastal environment in a natural protected area in Policoro (Italy). Sand samples have been collected and analysed to detect the presence of environmental contaminants and pollutants (heavy metals). A photogrammetric survey was carried out using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), and an updated orthophoto of the area was obtained using the Structure from Motion (SfM) processing technique. Geostatistical techniques have been used to assess the distribution of the contaminants in the study area.