We explore the use of digital photography for reconstructing topographic data of coastal regions using ‘structure from motion’ (SfM) algorithms. 3D models are constructed from photographs taken from different positions in a workflow
that offers significant simplifications in terms of data acquisition and automated processing, over traditional photogrammetry. Two different SfM implementations (one based on a local PC and the other on a web-based service) are demonstrated for quantifying surface change over different spatial scales - a subaerial beach, a cliff face and scour holes around vegetation tussocks. The results indicate that SfM is a promising tool for morphological measurement, capable of cheaply producing data that can be of a comparable accuracy to other commonly used techniques.