(Don't) ride the wave

If you've visited the ports of Ostend or Zeebrugge before, you will probably remember seeing the large concrete blocks (also known as HARO blocks) that protect the sea breakers. They play a crucial role in shielding coastal areas from the relentless force of the waves, but even these sturdy structures are subject to shifts and movements over time.

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Tracking shifts

To optimise the coastal protection, the Department of Mobility and Public Works (MOW) of the Flemish Government had to track these movements. Their own developers partnered with the data intelligence experts at Vectr.Consulting to develop a cutting-edge solution.

Here's how it works:

1. Drone footage of the HARO blocks is captured annually and processed into orthophotos—highly accurate aerial images.

2. A custom-trained object detection model identifies the HARO blocks in these images and pinpoints their locations in 3D space.

3. These locations are then converted into precise coordinates using the Belgian Lambert72 system.

4. By comparing the coordinates over time, the system can detect even subtle shifts and tilts in the HARO blocks.

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Smarter prevention, safer coastlines

This AI-powered solution is really a game-changer for the MOW department. It provides them with valuable data to predict when maintenance is needed, whether it's replacing damaged blocks or repositioning those that have shifted. This data-driven approach increases coastal protection and ensures the long-term economic viability of the ports.