Publication Abstract

Applying GIS and digital maps to real-life problems in the coastal zone

F.L. Franklin

This paper describes progress in development and use of digital mapping in the UK. The United Kingdom Digital Marine Atlas (UKDMAP), which was demonstrated at the previous Marine Resource Atlases Colloquium in 1991, confirmed the need for a simple PC-based system for providing access to data on the marine and coastal zone. Since then, growing interest in integrated management of the coastal zone has further increased the need for such systems. However, it has become clear that different users have different needs. As a result, it has been necessary to develop a number of separate but complimentary systems.

Development of UKDMAP has continued and a Windows-based version on CD-ROM is currently undergoing evaluation. Meanwhile, the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) is in the process of releasing its I7-volume Directory of the North Sea Coastal Margin in digital format. Since these Directories contain large volumes of text, a hypertext system was deemed to be a more suitable medium than UKDMAP, but a fully interactive CD-ROM version is planned.

These formats are useful sources of information about aspects of the marine environment which are not subject to frequent change. However, those involved in the direct regulation of activities in the marine and coastal zone also need up-to-the-minute information and an ability to add and manipulate their own data. This has been made possible due to recent advances in PC-based desktop mapping software such as MapInfo. The paper describes how the UK's Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) is using such a package to integrate data which previously existed on a number of separate databases. This enables information on existing and proposed uses of the marine environment (eg pipeline discharges, disposal of dredged material, marine aggregate extraction) to be related, both to each other, and to resources in the area (eg shellfish beds). Advantages include faster response times (eg. in the event of a marine emergency) and better quality advice on the potential impact of specific activities.

Reference:

F.L. Franklin, 1999. Applying GIS and digital maps to real-life problems in the coastal zone. Journal of the Society for Underwater Technology, 23(4): 187–189