West-Central Florida Coastal Classification Maps - Anclote Key to Venice Inlet

One purpose of the USGS National Assessment of Coastal Change Project is to provide accurate representations of pre-storm ground conditions for areas that are designated high-priority because they have dense populations or valuable resources that are at potential risk from storm waves. Another purpose of the project is to develop a broad geomorphic coastal classification that, with only minor modification, can be applied to most coastal regions in the United States.

A Coastal Classification Map describing local geomorphic features is the first step toward determining the hazard vulnerability of an area. The Coastal Classification Maps of the National Assessment of Coastal Change Project present ground conditions such as beach width, dune elevations, overwash potential, and density of development. In order to complete a hazard vulnerability assessment, that information must be integrated with other information, such as prior storm impacts and beach stability.