CASCADE Tools

Custom ArcGIS Python Toolboxes for preprocessing datasets for the CASCADE (CoAStal Community-lAnDscape Evolution) barrier island model.
These tools automate critical steps in preparing high-resolution elevation and shoreline datasets, ensuring standardized and reproducible workflows for barrier island geomorphology research.

Developed by Hannah A. Henry, Ph.D. Student, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
GitHub: HannahAline

---

Available Toolboxes

Clip and Resample Tool

Toolbox: cascade_clip_resample_tool.pyt

• Clips DEM rasters to the extent of each CASCADE model domain.
• Resamples rasters to a user-defined resolution.
• Produces per-domain elevation datasets for downstream modeling.

---

Domain Dune Offset Tool

Toolbox: cascade_domain_dune_offset_tool.pyt

• Calculates distance between dune crest and an offshore datum line (offsets) for each domain.
• Uses an offshore datum line, transects, and dune crest features.
• Generates CSV outputs required for CASCADE overwash and dune evolution modules.

---

Road Elevation Tool

Toolbox: cascade_road_elevation_tool.pyt

• Extracts DEM elevations at road features (e.g., NC-12 on Hatteras Island).
• Computes number of road points and mean elevation per domain.
• Supports temporal analysis of infrastructure vulnerability.

---

[Road Buffer Mean Tool]

Toolbox: cascade_road_buffer_mean_tool.pyt

• Calculates mean elevation of a buffered road corridor (e.g., NC-12) within each CASCADE model domain.
• Uses a high-resolution (1 m) DEM and domain polygons to produce per-domain averages.
• Supports comparison of road-adjacent elevations with transect- or domain-based mean elevations.

---

Usage

Each toolbox is packaged as an ArcGIS Pro Python Toolbox (.pyt).
Open in ArcGIS Pro → configure input datasets → run the tool → review CSV or raster outputs.

Detailed usage instructions, input/output definitions, and example workflows are provided in the README.txt files within each subdirectory.

---

Citation

If you use these tools in research or publications, please cite:

Hannah A. Henry (2025). CASCADE Tools: ArcGIS Python Toolboxes for Barrier Island Modeling.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
GitHub: https://github.com/HannahAline/CASCADE-Tools
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0767-8669

---

License

These tools are open-source and freely available for academic and nonprofit use.
Please contact the author regarding licensing for other applications.