Coastal Boundary Retracement

Course Overview: This course is designed to guide you through the North Beach renourishment project, combining theoretical knowledge with practical applications to introduce the process of coastal boundary retracement. Beginning with foundational concepts and project setup, you'll advance through sophisticated research methodologies using Texas General Land Office documents, municipal records, and historical archives in partnership with the Conrad Blucher Institute for Surveying and Science and the licensed state land surveyor from North Beach's retracement, Jim Naismith, RPLS, LSLS.

Duration: 6 CEU Certified

Delivery: Real-world case study with expert commentary, downloadable resources, and linked tools

Assessment: Knowledge checks with each course section to assure content understanding for course credit

Resources: Downloadable materials, direct links to pertinent agencies and tools, and reference guides

Learning Outcomes

By completing this course, participants will:

• Understand the process of costal boundary retracement
• Identify the steps in completing this type of survey
• Locate and navigate appropriate research resources and websites

Module Breakdown

Section 1: Introduction and Project Setup

• History of North Beach 
• Coastal VS Littoral Boundaries

Section 2: Site Visit Details

• Site Reconnaissance
• Tide Stations
• Benchmark Selection and Integration
• Horizontal and Vertical Control

Section 3: Project Research Strategies

• Core Research Resources
• Texas General Land Office
• City and County Documentation
• Local Knowledge and Specialized Resources

Section 4: Survey Methodology and Texas General Land Office Approval

• Working Sketch
• Methdology Development
• Submitting Your Methodology

Section 5: Executing Field Operations

• Control Checks
• Mean Higher High Water
• Field Observations
• Traverse Recovery
• Effects on Upland Property
• Legal and Regulatory Framework
• Generational Knowledge Implications

Section 6: Final Procedures

• Research to Map - Putting it all together
• The Final Report
• The Final Plat
• Artificial Fill Maps
• Submission Checklist

Professional Benefits

• CEU credits for qualified surveyors
• Access to expert insights on boundary retracement
• Practical research skills development
• Historical context for modern surveying

Target Audience

• Registered Professional Land Surveyors
• Researchers
• General Public

Technical Requirements

• High-speed internet connection
• Modern web browser
• Audio capability
• Optional: Printer for supplementary materials

CEU Credits: 6 hours (5 general, 1 ethics)

Course Access: Immediate upon registration

Duration: Self-paced within 90 days

For Registration Help, feel free to reach out to Shelby Sharpe at shelby.sharpe@tamucc.edu