 This study evaluates the utility of using structure for motion, SFM, to create high resolution digital surface models, DSMs, of coastal environments using low-altitude aerial images collected by unmanned aerial vehicles, UAV. The SFM image-based approach was chosen for its rapid, inexpensive, and automated method of producing 3D information from unstructured aerial images. The study generated a dense point cloud and DSM of a beach-dune system in Marina di Ravenna, Italy, using UAV SFM. The quality of the elevation dataset was evaluated by comparing it with point clouds generated by terrestrial laser scanning, TLS, surveys, and the results showed an average difference of 0.05 m, RMS equals 0.19 m. However, geomorphic features were assessed using multi-temporal surfaces analysis, where an interpolation process is required. DSMs were generated from UAV and TLS points clouds, and vertical absolute accuracies were assessed by comparing with a global navigation satellite system, GNSS, survey. The results showed that the average distance between UAV and TLS DSMs was at CM level, RMS equals 0.011 m, and the direct point by point comparison between UAV and TLS elevations had an average distance of 0.015 m with RMS equals 0.220 m. The study demonstrated that the UAV-based approach was straightforward, and the accuracy of the vertical dataset was comparable to results obtained using TLS technology. This article was authored by Francesco Mancini, Marco Dabini, Mario Gatelli, and others. We are article.tv. Links in the description below.