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Marine Geospatial Data - Safeguarding Canada's coastal and offshore areas
Canadians today recognize the importance of protecting our coastal and offshore marine environments. It is a big responsibility. Bordered by three oceans, Canada has 25 per cent of the world's coastline and 9 per cent of its renewable fresh water supply.
To help Canada manage its water resources and support the social and economic needs of the country's marine regions, GeoConnections, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and the Canada Centre for Marine Communications are leading the creation of the Marine Geospatial Data Infrastructure (MGDI). MGDI is part of the Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (CGDI) and the goal of the MGDI is to satisfy the geographic data needs of water-oriented stakeholders.
Development of the MGDI is being led through the through the Marine Node of GeoConnections. This group comprises a broad group of government, industry and non-government agencies involved in marine data, applications and web-services. GeoConnections is a national partnership initiative, led by Natural Resources Canada, to put Canada's geospatial information on the Internet.
Better understanding marine environments... and how to protect them
The MGDI will provide people with information about water-depths, currents, fish stocks, tides, channel widths, sediment characteristics, temperatures, and so on-allowing them to make better decisions about using and protecting this vital resource. Users will gain the ability to examine marine-related issues in new and innovative ways. They will be able to extract data from diverse sources, blend it, and come up with original perspectives and insightful solutions.
Who would use this information? Fisherman, shipbuilders, ocean scientists, habitat managers, commercial shipping companies, recreational boaters, oil and gas companies, cruise lines, emergency response organizations, government agencies-essentially anyone with a stake in using or protecting our water and marine resources.
Two main building blocks
Although the MGDI will build upon many activities, two important components are now under construction.
The first is the DFO GeoPortal-a web-based service for geographic and geo-referenced data, known as geospatial data when combined. Appearing much like an Internet browser, the DFO GeoPortal will allow people to discover and access MGDI information and services. The portal will also enable users to generate maps.
The second building block is the underlying framework data, which will come from a host of authoritative sources: municipal, provincial, and federal governments; the private sector; and universities.
By employing open systems and common international standards endorsed by GeoConnections, the MGDI will allow users to connect online using any platform and enable different data sources to work with one another. Many marine databases exist today, often with unique structures, applications, and distribution policies. The MGDI will provide a common and user-friendly way to acquire, store, manage, distribute, archive, and maintain marine data.
How will marine geospatial data be used?
Transportation: The marine transportation industry can employ marine geospatial data to improve decisions about navigating vessels safely and efficiently. Crews, passengers, cargo, and the environment all stand to benefit.
Habitat management: Making sound decisions on conserving, protecting, and sustaining marine environments requires the kind of reliable and credible scientific information that the MGDI will offer.
Integrated coastal zone management: What impact will global warming have on sea level changes, storms, and flooding? The MGDI can help those who plan coastal zone developments answer these types of questions.
Renewable resources: The well being of Canada's coastal fishing industries underscores the importance of effective fish stock management. The MGDI will hold information that is important to all of those involved in Canada's fisheries.
Non-renewable resources: High-resolution seabed mapping and improved climate forecasting can provide oil and gas companies with the best information to build offshore production facilities.
Disaster management and emergency response: By allowing access in real time to marine information, geomatics technologies promise to lessen the impact of storm surges, hurricanes, and flooding.
Sovereignty and defence: Mapping and monitoring offshore areas using satellites and sensors on ships and aircraft allow us to ensure our sovereignty and protect marine resources for future generations.
Ocean research: Understanding disruptions of the ocean-atmosphere system (such as with El Nino) will assist Canada to lessen negative climate change impacts.
Recreation and tourism: Geospatial information can be used to boost tourism by making coastal areas safer and easier to access while protecting marine habitats.
Freshwater resource management: Policy makers and water resource managers can use geospatial information to balance resource management with social and economic needs.
Marine engineering works and services: Geospatial information can give Canadian marine engineering companies a competitive edge.
For more information:
GeoConnections Secretariat
615 Booth Street, Room 650
Ottawa ON K1A 0E9
CANADA
Phone: 1-877-221-6213
Fax: (613) 947-2410
Email:
info@geoconnections.org
www.geoconnections.org