Shoreline Mapping of the Withlacoochee River

Study of west-central Florida tidal rivers for the purpose of establishing regulatory minimum flow levels. Understanding historic flows of tidal rivers can help re-establish appropriate levels after years of alteration. One approach to understanding historic flow is to analyze the community composition of shoreline vegetation, which shifts with tidal influence.

Using GIS to identify and analyze these shifts in shoreline type in the context of river salinity signatures can provide insight into appropriate flow levels for maintaining river ecology.