Digital Elevation Models of Biogenic Structures in the Central Wadden Sea at the Species-Related Scale

This dataset provides high-resolution, digital elevation models (DEMs) of biogenic structures formed by the Pacific oyster (Magallana gigas) and the blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) in the central Wadden Sea, enabling analysis through spatial statistics at the species-related scale. The data set contains samples from two M. gigas reefs (Kaiserbalje and Nordland) and an M. edulis bed (Nordstrand). The DEMs were generated using close-range structure-from-motion (SfM) photogrammetry and hand-held cameras. Each DEM captures surface level elevations within approximately 1.5 m² at a resolution of >2 mm. The M. gigas reef samples are classified into seven structural classes (Central Reef, Transitional Zone, Cluster I, Cluster II, Patch I, Patch II, and Garland), highlighting the intra-reef heterogeneity. The data set comprises 22 samples of the M. gigas reef Kaiserbalje, three samples of the M. gigas reef Nordstrand, and four samples of the M. edulis bed Nordstrand. These DEMs were used to characterize the intra-reef heterogeneity of M. gigas reefs, validating the structural classification. They also served as input and validation data in the design of surrogate models of both biogenic structures for experimental hydrodynamic testing. This dataset is intended to support further research on biogenic surface morphology, hydrodynamic modeling, habitat mapping, and the development of nature-based coastal protection strategies.