Datum Verification for Coastal Engineering Studies

The precision of a vertical datum, used as a reference point for elevation measurements, is essential for calculating mean sea level and tracking changes along the coast. This ensures consistent and trustworthy data for managing flood risks, erosion, and infrastructure planning. This research paper focuses on verifying the vertical datum for coastal engineering studies at Batu Pahat, Johor, using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology. Levelling work are carried out to establish accurate height measurements relative to a vertical datum, the resulting data are used to obtain reliable readings from the tide gauges. This process is crucial for coastal studies, as it allows researchers to compare current data with historical records and understand changes in sea level over time. The research focused on two main locations, Kg Parit Kuda and Kg Parit Sungai Bagan, representing the Batu Pahat shoreline, using digital leveling techniques to collect data. The Mean Sea Level (MSL) at Kuala Batu Pahat was measured to be 1.59 m above Chart Datum (CD), with slight shoreline variations noted based on the latest 1-year CD observation established in 1979 by the National Hydrographic Center of the Royal Malaysian Navy. The project’s success is attributed to the acceptable differences between observed values, which confirmed the reliability of the established Land Survey Datum. This study showcases the importance of datum verification in coastal engineering applications to mitigate potential risks and ensure accurate measurements for future development projects.