Conclusion

From these maps there is no discernable relationship between the erosion rates and the population. In some places they are both high. In other places there is accretion in areas of high population.

The problem with this analysis was that the erosional data was just for the eastern coast of the islands, but the population data was for the entire island. If household data of beachfront property could be used instead, a more precise analysis could be done. Also, if there was actual GIS erosional data for specific points along the shore, a better understanding of how it is related to population could be found.

There is a definite need to do further research in this area. For the sake of saving people from property damage and preserving the beauty of the OBX, it is important that this research be continued. There are in fact some projects under the Division of Coastal Management and Army Corps of Engineering that are working on this.