Exploring global trends and future research directions in Shoreline Analysis Systems (SAS): a bibliometric analysis
摘要
Coastal zones are increasingly affected by severe erosion driven by climate change and anthropogenic influences. Approximately 680 million people reside in these critical regions due to their socioeconomic, environmental, and political significance. This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the progress and future research trends in Shoreline Analysis Systems (SAS) over a 32-year period (1990–2022). The methodological framework consists of three phases: (a) Selection of the database—data were retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) to examine the global evolution and research trends in SAS; (b) Merging and cleaning of retrieved data—ensuring data consistency and reliability; and (c) Performance analysis—thematic and scientometric assessments were conducted using bibliometric tools. The findings from this systematic review and bibliometric analysis reveal that 1,723 publications indexed in Scopus and WoS provide a comprehensive overview of SAS research evolution. The number of publications grew at an estimated annual rate of 10.8%, with 72% of articles published during the last decade (2012–2022). The results indicate substantial growth in the field, with primary research trends focusing on shoreline erosion in the context of climate change, coastal management and vulnerability, and remote sensing applications. This study identifies emerging research directions and their practical implications for understanding the causes, consequences, methodologies, and solutions for mitigating shoreline erosion.
Graphical abstract