Based on a review undertaken by Halcrow in 1999, it was concluded that the response of the coastline to past changes in sea level was complex and that a more detailed analysis of the historical evolution of the coastline was necessary. Halcrow was subsequently commissioned to develop a coastal database to include all historical topographic map data for the coastline, bathymetric surveys, selected aerial photograph coverage and other available spatial data. As part of this work, Halcrow undertook a detailed topographic and bathymetric survey of the coastline to establish an accurate baseline survey from which to assess past and future changes in coastline position, morphology and elevation. The survey of the coastal strip was undertaken using high-resolution digital aerial photography with integrated GPS and LiDAR.

Using the latest GIS technology these data were all spatially corrected to the Ordnance Survey grid projection to enable direct comparison of data sources. These data, together with information from the baseline survey of the area, have enabled a detailed assessment of changes in the coastline over the last 150 years.

Halcrow has been developing a conceptual coastal change projection model that will provide information on the coastline up to the next 10,000 years. The conceptual model uses a variety of quantitative and qualitative models to investigate the possible impact of different climate change scenarios on the open coast, barrier beaches and estuaries over a variety of timescales.