Uferpunkte

Uferpunkte, a German term, refers to the points along a coastline where a shore or an island directly faces, or lies opposite to, a more or less parallel shore or another island. These points are typically between headlands, bays, or other distinct shoreline features, and are often the base for navigation and surveying.

The term Uferpunkte is commonly used in the field of navigation and geographic information systems, where determining and documenting such points is crucial for accurate charting and mapping of coastlines. Uferpunkte serve as reference points for surveyors, hydrographers, and others involved in coastal mapping and research.

In practical terms, Uferpunkte are usually marked with navigation aid such as buoys, beacons, or other visual or electronic markers. The location and characteristics of these points are typically documented in charting and hydrographic databases, which provide valuable information for marine navigation and for studying coastal dynamics, tectonics, and other oceanographic processes.

For instance, Mediterranean coastal nations have used the term Uferpunkte extensively in developing digital coastal models and marine spatial planning frameworks. The related concept of regional references such as Eastern or Western Uferpunkte has also been applied in the study of coastal geography and dynamics.

The methodology for determining Uferpunkte involves field measurements, coastal profiling, and georeferencing. These measurements are documented and used for different applications, including coastal erosion assessments, coastal engineering projects, and development of coastal conservation policies. Overall, the concept of Uferpunkte is essential in navigating complex coastlines and informs many of the most relevant engineering-geological studies in coastal regions.