Global mapping of tidal wetlands and adjacent environments using tidal analysis and multi-source Earth observations
This study introduces a global coastal mapping framework that combines tidal analysis with multi‑source satellite observations to map tidal wetlands and adjacent environments at 10‑m resolution. Covering 2019–2021, the dataset improves intertidal classification accuracy and supports informed coastal conservation and management decisions.
Subject Tags
- Mangroves
- Coastal
- Wetlands
Abstract
Tidal wetlands, located at the dynamic land-sea interface, provide vital ecosystem services, yet face increasing threats from human activities and climate change. Accurate and up-to-date global mapping of tidal wetlands is essential for assessing their status and advancing conservation efforts. However, challenges such as tidal fluctuations and limited data availability lead to inconsistencies across existing datasets. Moreover, previous studies have largely overlooked the adjacent terrestrial environments of tidal wetlands, reducing our understanding of coastal dynamics and associated environmental drivers. To address these critical issues, this study proposes a novel global coastal mapping framework with three key components. First, using the ocean tide model EOT20, we systematically analyzed tidal variations observed in Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 imagery between 2019 and 2021, facilitating the development of an adaptive image selection strategy to ensure low-tide coverage. Second, we integrated multi-source global datasets and employed a knowledge-driven, semi-automatic sampling approach to generate training samples for tidal wetlands and adjacent land covers. Third, we iteratively trained and refined random forest models using tide-level and phenological features extracted from composite optical and radar imagery, producing a global coastal dataset centered on 2020 with 11 distinct land cover types. The mapping result was cross-compared with multiple global and regional coastal datasets and validated using the temporally cleaned external dataset, achieving an overall accuracy of 92.7%. By optimizing the selection of Sentinel scenes to approximately 10–50 in time-series composite mapping, this approach balances computational efficiency with intertidal classification accuracy. The dataset delineates the global distribution of tidal wetlands and their adjacent environments at a 10-m resolution; specifically, tidal wetlands–including mangroves, tidal marshes, and tidal flats, amount to 425,509 ± 932 km2. This fine-resolution and multi-category mapping framework enables a more precise identification of potential trade-offs between conservation and development, providing valuable references for sustainable coastal management.
Citation
Li, M., Worthington, T., Chen, B., Smart, L., Spalding, M., Zhang, T., ... & Xu, B. (2026). Global mapping of tidal wetlands and adjacent environments using tidal analysis and multi-source Earth observations. ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, 234, 293-306.
TNC Authors
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Lindsey Smart
Adaptation and Resilience Scientist. Tackle Climate Change
The Nature Conservancy
Email: lindsey.smart@tnc.org -
Mark Spalding
Senior Marine Scientist • Protect Oceans, Lands and Waters
The Nature Conservancy
Email: mspalding@tnc.org