Seasonal aerial photographic mapping of Galveston Island.

The purpose this project is to provide the City of Galveston with environmental documentation needed to guide the future development of Galveston Island. Galveston Island is a barrier beach, nearly 30 miles (48 Km) in length by 3 miles (4.8 Km) at its widest, which fronts on the Gulf of Mexico some 50 miles (80 Km) southeast of Houston. Two distinct barrier island regimes are now being threatened by natural forces and by currently unrestricted human activities. The wetland system, which includes all areas bayward of the dune crest, is being both diminished and stressed by overgrazing and by construction. The beach areas, running from dune-top to shoreline, are under the combined attack of longshore current erosion, vehicular traffic, and beachfront construction.