Data collation & mapping
Data on coastal boundaries, geophysical and hydrographical
characteristics of the Irish Sea, protected areas, natural
resources and human uses were acquired and mapped using GIS ESRI
'ARC' software. Public, private and NGO sector bodies contributed
data and some were collated by contractors or used under
license.
The Pilot project found that much data is potentially available.
However, a lack of consistency in data management, format and
supply between the plethora of organisations holding data makes
collation and conversion relatively time consuming and expensive.
In summary, the Pilot's proposals for improved management of marine
data are:
- A standard electronic marine and coastal map/chart base should
be established, which can be used at a range of scales.
- A national marine information network should be established
between institutions and bodies having the capability of managing
data in the long-term, each managing and providing access to
specific datasets to common standards. The network should provide
public access to its data.
- Data standards should be developed, where possible jointly with
the other countries and with the European Union.
- Marine data collected with public funds, or as a consequence of
Government or Public agency contracts, should be held
electronically to agreed formats and standards, placed in the
public domain within specified timescales and added to a national
marine information system.
- Improved co-ordination of data collection activities needs to
be achieved, in order better to meet the needs of society and to
make the most efficient use of available resources. This should
include much clearer identification of the specific data collection
responsibilities of public bodies. In the UK, Defra should take the
lead in developing improved co-ordination, including in relation to
liaising with neighbouring countries. A greater degree of
collaboration between survey organisations should be promoted and
encouraged.
A Pilot project data report and data catalogue is available
for download (
Lumb et al, 2004). This includes
description of the research undertaken to identify the Irish Sea
data potentially available and issues arising during the data
collection phase of the Pilot project. The process to identify and
agree the boundaries for the project is also described.