 This study evaluates the utility of using structure from 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 selected for its rapid, inexpensive, and automated method. 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 produced by the UAV SFM was evaluated by comparing it with 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 was required. DSMs were generated from UAV and TLS points clouds and vertical absolute accuracies were assessed by comparing with global navigation satellite system, GNSS, surveys. The results showed that the average distance between UAV and TLS DSMs with respect to GNSS measurements was 0.011 m rms equals 0.011 m. The direct point-by-point comparison between UAV and TLS elevations showed an average distance of 0.015 m rms equals 0.220 m with larger values encountered in areas with sudden changes in topography. Overall, the study demonstrated that the UAV-based approach was straightforward and comparable with results obtained by TLS technology. This article was authored by Francesco Mancini, Marco Dabbini, Mario Gatelli, and others. We're article.tv, links in the description below.