Laboratório de Geomática e Sistemas Marinhos - GEOMar

RESEARCH AREAS:

Dynamics of coastal systems - Coastal and marine systems are dynamic environments shaped by both natural processes and human activities. Understanding their physical, biological, and socio-economic dynamics is essential for sustainable management. These areas are increasingly vulnerable to climate change, sea-level rise, and growing human pressures. Erosion, flooding, and habitat loss are among the key risks threatening coastal communities worldwide. To address these challenges, GEOMar employs remote sensing and geoprocessing to develop advanced tools that monitor changes across multiple spatial and temporal scales. Satellite imagery and aerial surveys provide crucial data to track shoreline shifts, sediment transport, and ecosystem health. By integrating remote sensing with field observations, GEOMar enhances risk assessments and supports informed decision-making.

Blue Economy - GEOMar uses remote sensing and geoprocessing to provide vital information for advancing Blue Economy initiatives, including fisheries and aquaculture, renewable energy, offshore oil and gas, coastal planning, tourism, and navigation. These technologies enable near real-time monitoring of ocean and coastal conditions. By integrating geotechnologies with field data, GEOMar strengthens decision-making and policy development. Overall, these tools support the creation of a resilient and sustainable Blue Economy for marine and coastal regions.

Coastal resilience and human-coastal interactions​ - Understanding how human activities impact the marine environment requires the integration of advanced spatial analysis techniques. Geoprocessing and remote sensing play a fundamental role in this context, enabling the monitoring of coastal areas. These technologies also support the mapping of anthropogenic pressures and the assessment of ecosystem vulnerability. Demographic trends, which both influence and are influenced by environmental conditions, further intensify these dynamics. As coastal regions continue to attract large populations due to economic opportunities, tourism, and natural resources, the application of geospatial tools becomes essential for understanding, modeling, and managing the complex nature of human–coastal interactions. GEOMar works to ensure healthy, productive, and sustainable coastal and marine regions.