Historical Shoreline Data for Wilmington, Delaware

A high-resolution historical shoreline dataset for Wilmington, Delaware, automated for use as a geographic information system (GIS) data layer. The data are derived from shoreline maps produced by the NOAA National Ocean Service and its predecessor agencies, based on imagery interpretation and field surveys. The attribution follows the NGS-developed C-COAST scheme, influenced by the International Hydrographic Organization's S-57 standard.

Use Cases

• Analyze historical shoreline change based on the high-resolution GIS data layer.
• Model coastal erosion or accretion over time based on the derived historical maps.
• Integrate shoreline data into broader coastal management systems based on the S-57-influenced attribution scheme.
• Conduct geographic information system (GIS) analysis for urban planning or environmental studies in Wilmington.

Strengths

• Data is described as high-resolution and accurate for GIS use.
• Attribution follows a structured scheme (C-COAST) influenced by an international hydrographic standard.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count and file size are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Data may reflect geographic and temporal bias inherent to the source imagery and surveys.

Provenance

Source

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce

Collection Method

Derived from shoreline maps produced by NOAA National Ocean Service based on office interpretation of imagery and/or field surveys.

Time Range

Historical (specific range not provided).

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 21:58:47.740003; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Wilmington, Delaware, United States, North America