 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, UAVs. 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 UAVS-FM. The quality of the elevation dataset was evaluated by comparing it with point clouds generated by terrestrial laser scanning, TLS, surveys, and found an average difference of 0.05 m, RMS equals 0.19 m. DSMs were also generated from UAV and TLS points clouds, and the vertical absolute accuracies were assessed by comparing with a global navigation satellite system, GNSS, survey. The vertical comparison of UAV and TLS DSMs with respect to GNSS measurements pointed out an average distance at CM level, RMS equals 0.011 m. The successive point-by-point direct comparison between UAV and TLS elevations show a very small average distance, 0.015 m, with RMS equals 0.220 m, larger values are encountered in areas where sudden changes in topography are present. The study demonstrated that the UAV-based approach was straightforward and the accuracy of the vertical dataset was comparable with results obtained by TLS technology. This article was authored by Francesco Mancini, Marco Dabbini, Mario Gatelli, and others. We are article.tv. Links in the description below.