Las Palmas de Gran Canaria makes progress in beach monitoring with AZTI’s KOSTASystem technology
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Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is making progress in the management and monitoring of its beaches with the implementation of the KOSTASystem. This AZTI-powered technology, based on coastal videometry cameras, has been implemented on the beaches of Las Canteras, La Laja and Las Alcaravaneras, offering citizens and visitors an application, LPA Beach, which provides real-time information on the tides, occupancy, weather and services available at these three beach destinations.
With just a few taps on their mobile device, anyone can access detailed data on beach occupancy levels, tide tables, and the percentage of dry and wet sand. But the app’s functionality doesn’t stop there. It offers sectorised information, allowing users to know the specific status of different areas of the beaches, such as La Cícer, Churruca, Peña La Vieja, and more. In addition, the app guides users on how to get to each point of interest, whether on foot, by car or by other means of transport.
This system not only improves the bathers’ experience, but is also an essential tool for research and environmental management. The data collected is essential for the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, which uses it to study the evolution of beaches in the context of global climate change. This information is vital to improve beach management and to focus safety efforts on the most dangerous areas for bathers.
The project, which has a budget of half a million euros, 85% funded by the European Union and the remaining 15% by the City Council through Sagulpa, has set up six videometric stations at strategic points. These stations are the heart of the system, processing images and data to provide a complete picture of the state of the beaches.
Gipuzkoa, a pioneer in the use of KOSTASystem for beach occupancy management
Gipuzkoa was the first autonomous community to adopt KOSTASystem technology to provide real-time information on beach occupation. The ‘Nik Hondartzak’ application, developed by the Environment Directorate of the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa in collaboration with AZTI, was launched in 2020 to make the use of beaches compatible with the prevention measures against the pandemic caused by COVID.
The Gipuzkoa initiative, which is still underway today, has served as an inspiration for other regions, including Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, which is now emulating its example with the LPA Beach application. The experience and positive results in Gipuzkoa have been crucial to validate the effectiveness of the system in improving coastal management and promoting environmentally responsible tourism.
