Ocean & Coastal Management 22 (1994) 187-200 Analysis of Space-Borne Data for Coastal Zone Information Extraction of Goa Coast, India P. D. Kunte & B. G. Wagle National Institute of Oceanography,Dona Paula, Goa-403 004, India (Received 7 January 1993; accepted 22 April 1993) ABSTRACT Space-borne data covering the coastal zone of Goa State were processed using digital and visual image-processing techniques to extract informa- tion about the coastal zone. Digital image processing of thematic data included Principal Component analysis and Intensity-Modulated Pseudo Biomass imaging. SPOT image and aerial photographs of the coastal zone of Goa were analyzed, and fluvial, estuarine, marine, vegetational, and nearshore features were identified and mapped. This study reveals that the coastal, sandy tracts are accreting and stable, whereas rocky cliffs and promontories are subject to constant erosion. Four turbid water masses were identified on the basis of tonal variation; the pattern of sediment plumes indicated a southerly littoral drift. Finally, this study demonstrated the utility of extracted coastal informa- tion to coastal zone managers. 1 INTRODUCTION India, with its long coastline, cannot ignore potential threats to its coastal zone, which may have long-term economic consequences. Interactions between various natural processes and man-made activities are important factors in the coastal area. Marine scientists and coastal engineers recognize the coastal zone as a highly dynamic physical system. 187 Ocean & Coastal Management 0964-5691/94/$07.00 Q 1994 Elsevier Science Limited, England. Printed in Northern Ireland