Contribution of DSAS and GIS Tools in Shoreline Evolution

Abstract

The present study manipulates satellite imagery (Landsat TM+ and ETM+) and GIS tools to analyze the changes in the Mehdia coastline between 1990 and 2023. We estimated shoreline change rates, particularly the End Point Rate (EPR) index, using a diachronic approach and the DSAS 5.0 model in ArcGIS. Results show that the coastline has significantly retreated, particularly between 1990 and 2005 and 2005 and 2023, with erosion concentrated in the central and northern sectors. Across the estuary, the overall trend shows an average retreat of –3.25 m/year. In addition to human actions including the construction of dams and dike systems, urbanization, tourism, and dredging, this vulnerability is also linked to natural forces like storms and climate change.By affecting sediment dynamics, these factors have accelerated beach loss, particularly in the north. The findings highlight the critical need for sustained monitoring and resilient coastal management to prevent present erosion and anticipate future environmental challenges.