Saltmarsh Extent Change Across Great Britain 1846-2016

170 years of saltmarsh extent data for 25 estuaries across six regions in Great Britain, captured from historical maps and aerial photographs. The dataset quantifies lateral change and includes calculated root mean square error estimates for each marsh complex. C. Ladd and M.F. Duggan-Edwards collected the data for the NERC C-SIDE programme, used in the 2019 analysis by Ladd et al.

Use Cases

• Analyze long-term trends in saltmarsh extent across six regions to model coastal habitat loss.
• Estimate carbon storage potential changes using marsh extent data from the C-SIDE programme.
• Validate georeferencing error models using the provided root mean square error estimates for each marsh complex.
• Map lateral change dynamics for 25 specific estuaries and embayments over the 170-year period.

Strengths

• Covers a 170-year temporal range from 1846 to 2016.
• Includes data for 25 distinct estuaries and embayments across six geographic regions.
• Provides calculated root mean square error estimates to quantify measurement uncertainty.
• Data was captured at a detailed scale of 1:7,500 with vertices placed every 5 meters.

Limitations

• Marsh extent was only recorded where complete map and aerial photo coverage existed for an estuary, potentially creating gaps.
• Data accuracy is limited by inherent errors in historical basemaps, georeferencing, and interpreter judgment during digitization.
• The dataset focuses solely on lateral extent change and does not include other marsh characteristics like vegetation type or sediment data.

Provenance

Source

Environmental Information Data Centre

Collection Method

Digitized from historical maps and aerial photographs, with marsh edges delineated at 1:7,500 scale.

Time Range

1846 to 2016

Freshness

null

Geography

25 estuaries/embayments across six regions in Great Britain