Acquiring a modern digital shoreline for Maryland from recent (1988-1995) orthophotography

Shoreline erosion is a major problem facing the diverse coastal environments of Maryland; approximately 31 percent ofthe State’s lengthy coastline is currently experiencing some degree of erosion. Within the State, the Maryland Geological Survey (MGS) has been the lead agency in investigating and mapping shoreline changes. Periodically over the last century, MGS has issued maps depicting changes in shoreline position over time and has tabulated acreage lost or gained along specified reaches of shoreline. These data have greatly benefited the activities of other State organizations, such as the Shore Erosion Control Program of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Shore Erosion Task Force appointed by Governor Glendening in 1999. Grant no. NA87OZ0236