Integration of Satellite Earth Observations and Social Science Data for Coastal Environmental Management

Coastal areas are among the most dynamic and vulnerable regions on Earth, influenced by both natural processes and human activities. Coastal regions face numerous environmental challenges, including rising sea levels, natural disasters, habitat loss, and pollution. To address these complex issues effectively, it is crucial to integrate satellite Earth observations with social science data. Satellite Earth observations provide comprehensive information on physical changes in coastal environments, such as land use and land cover changes, sea surface temperatures, and shoreline dynamics. Meanwhile, social science data offer insights into human interactions with these environments, including resource use, socio-economic impacts, and community resilience. By combining these two sources of data, researchers can develop more nuanced and actionable strategies for managing and mitigating coastal environmental issues. This Research Topic seeks to explore how integrated approaches can enhance our understanding and management of coastal environments.

Satellite Earth observations have revolutionized our ability to monitor and analyze these environments on a large scale, providing crucial data on physical changes and environmental trends. However, understanding the full impact of these changes requires incorporating the human dimensions that social science data can provide. Social science research offers valuable perspectives on how coastal communities interact with their environment, the socio-economic factors driving environmental change, and the effectiveness of policies and interventions. Integrating these data types promises a more holistic approach to addressing coastal environmental challenges. In addition, we invite authors applying critical geography perspectives to coastal management and change, such as social and environmental justice, integration of mixed and qualitative methods, and dimensions of political power, equity, and diversity.

This Research Topic aims to advance the integration of satellite Earth observations and social science data in addressing coastal environmental issues. We invite contributions that explore various aspects of this integration, including but not limited to:

▪ case studies showcasing successful applications of integrated satellite Earth observations and social science data approaches
▪ methodological advancements for combining satellite data with social science insights
▪ studies incorporating social vulnerability, environmental justice, and political economy and disparities in coastal management and environmental change
▪ evaluations of policy and management strategies informed by integrated data
▪ integration of mixed methods including quantitative Earth Observations, GeoAI, and qualitative or critical methods
▪ discussions on challenges and opportunities in integrating satellite Earth observations and social data for coastal environmental challenges.

We welcome original research articles, comprehensive review papers, and insightful commentaries. Manuscripts should contribute to a deeper understanding of how integrated approaches can improve coastal management and sustainability. Submissions should highlight innovative methodologies, practical applications, and theoretical advancements in this interdisciplinary field.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Methods
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Methods
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Registered Report
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: satellite earth observations, climate change, natural hazards and disasters, social science, coastal environmental management, environmental justice, social vulnerability

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.