Dunedin City Council is trying to find a solution to erosion at the city's most popular swimming beaches.
A state of emergency was called last year after a run of severe storms battered sand dunes at Ocean Beach, which includes St Clair, St Kilda and Middle Beaches.
The council says collecting data will take a year and be costly, but it is vital to stop the sea undermining Kettle Park or properties on the Esplanade.
The project will include topographical and seafloor surveys, a study of sediment movement and monitoring of rip patterns.
