Conventional and recently-developed methodologies for measuring beach, dune and seacliff change over entire coastal regions are described and compared with survey methods suitable only for subregional monitoring. The data needs for regional shoreline management are described and the applicability of three airborne systems to meeting these needs is investigated. These systems are conventional LIDAR laser ranging, modified LIDAR using a water-penetrating laser, and video photogrammetry. These approaches are being investigated by Scripps Institution of Oceanography along 80km of Southern California shoreline, often referred to as the Oceanside Littoral Cell, as part of a five year program funded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This regional approach, necessary because broad regions of coastline share a common sand resource, will help regulatory agencies make informed, cost effective and environmentally sound management decisions.