Geospatial Technology for Rapid Shoreline Change Analysis of Tropical Cyclones in Coastal Bangladesh

Purpose Tropical cyclones are recurring natural disasters in Bangladesh that significantly impact coastal regions and cause extensive damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and ecosystems. This study investigates the implications of geospatial technology for assessing the rapid changes in shorelines due to tropical cyclones in the coastal districts of Bangladesh. Methods Shoreline dynamics were analyzed via the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS). The data are collected from the USGS via Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS datasets. The study was conducted on four cyclone events: Cyclone Sitrang, Cyclone Bulbul, Cyclone Amphan, and Cyclone Mocha. Results Cyclone Sitrang resulted in shoreline erosion of 52.72% and accretion of 47.28%. Compared with accretion (42.57%), Cyclone Bulbul led to major shoreline erosion (57.39%). Cyclone Amphan caused severe shoreline erosion (77.67%), and Cyclone Mocha also resulted in significant shoreline erosion (77.36%). Higher-intensity cyclones generally cause more severe physical impacts. For example, Cyclone Amphan, with 150 mph winds, caused the most severe erosion (77.67%) and reduced accretion (22.23%), whereas Cyclone Sitrang, with lower intensity, had a minimal impact on the shoreline. The analysis revealed that districts such as Bhola and Noakhali experienced significant shoreline accretion, whereas others such as Satkhira and Khulna faced severe erosion. Cox’s Bazar showed notable resilience, with lower erosion rates and greater accretion during multiple cyclones. Conclusion The findings illustrate the use of geospatial technologies to estimate the rapid impacts of tropical cyclones on shorelines and highlight the critical need for integrated coastal management and restoration strategies to mitigate damage and enhance resilience.