Locating an existing transect

The survey sheet you printed for the transect will contain information that will help you find the start point of the transect:

• Latitude and longitude values of the start point (the “GPS landward datum”).
• A description of the start point location. Look for a fence post or other marker as each transect start point should be marked in some way.

When you find the start point of the transect, refer to the bearing shown on the survey sheet. Use your GPS to orient yourself to this bearing and run out your measuring tape along the bearing towards the high water mark.

Establishing a new transect

There are three easy steps for setting up new permanent transects:

1. Establish a minimum of 5 transects perpendicular to the coast at a fixed interval (e.g. transects 20 m or 50 m apart) to sample a representative section of the vegetation and dune morphology from landward to high water mark.
2. Permanently mark the landward end (the start point) of each transect for easy relocation for repeat surveys, with a fence post for example. Record the latitude and longitude of the start point and a description of the start point location on the survey sheet.
3. Place a measurement tape along a transect bearing from backdune to foredune. Record the bearing on the survey sheet.

Set up a transect by running a tape across the dune along a bearing perpendicular to the coast from a fixed landward marker (e.g. peg, fence post) to the high water mark.

When establishing new transects remember to complete a site diagram that shows the location and direction of each transect at the site.