Marine and Coastal Mapping and Planning Special Interest Group

The Marine and Coastal Mapping and Planning Special Interest Group is jointly run by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) and the Association for Geographic Information (AGI).  Its aim is to provide a strong collective professional voice in the UK and wider international marine geographical information community to:

  • Influence change and promote the creation and robust management of marine geographical information for the benefit of all members
  • Highlight the importance of mapping and planning as a common theme linking marine, terrestrial and cross-sectoral interests.

Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology

IMarEST was established in London in 1889, is the leading international membership body and learned society for marine professionals, with over 15,000 members worldwide.  Its vision is a world where marine resources and activities are sustained, managed and developed for the benefit of humanity.  The Institute has a strong international presence with an extensive marine network of 50 international branches, affiliations with major marine societies around the world, representation on key marine technical committees and international organizations.

Association for Geographic Information

The AGI represents the interests of the UK's geographic information industry; a wide-ranging group of public and private sector organizations, suppliers of GI software, hardware, data and services, consultants, academics and interested individuals.  The Association brings together the GI community to share ideas on best practice, experience and innovation, and offers access to unparalleled networking opportunities with significant business benefits.  Since its formal inception in 1989, it has built up a significant membership base and established itself as the respected voice in GI.

Joint Working

IMarEST and AGI have agreed to work together promote marine geographical information on a national and an international basis and to enhance members’ services and bring cohesion and improved recognition to the marine sector.  Through the special interest group they will:

  • Arrange joint events and other communication and publishing activities  
  • Cooperate to promote the benefit of GI to the marine sector
  • Work to ensure marine interests are represented in GI related initiatives   
  • Promote advantages of professional body and learned society membership
  • Establish common communication, educational and CPD programmes.  

Membership

Membership of the joint SIG is open to either members of IMarEST or the AGI, although membership of both organizations is encouraged.  Discounts are available for members of AGI wishing to join IMarEST or vice versa.

Members of AGI wishing to join the Marine and Coastal Mapping and Planning SIG can do so by logging into your account.  Currently IMarEST members wishing to join the SIG should email the current SIG chair, Mike Osborne.  Please state your level of IMarEST membership and whether you are a member of AGI too.

The inaugural meeting of the joint SIG management committee was held in London at AGI Offices on 27 July 2010.  The next meeting is planned for December 2010.

Minutes of MCMP SIG Management Meeting 27 July 2010

Agenda of next MCMP SIG Management Meeting TBC

The management committee currently comprises the following individuals:

Chair:  Mike Osborne, OceanWise Ltd
Vice Chair:  William Heaps, ABP Ltd
Vice Chair:  John Pepper, Independent
Secretary:  Vacant (Mike Osborne)
Membership Secretary:  Vacant (William Heaps)
Comms Secretary (Webmaster):  Vacant (Mike Osborne)
Events Secretary:  Vacant (Mike Osborne)
MEDIN Representative:  Gaynor Evans, BODC
Data Producers Representative:  Andre Coccucio, MCA
Data Publisher Representative:  Matt Harrison, BGS
Data User Representative:  Jamie Moore, The Crown Estate

Note: The chair will be a member of AGI and IMarEST and each Vice Chair be a member, and able to represent the interests, of AGI and IMarEST, respectively.

As a member of the SIG if you think you can support the important work of the SIG management team in anyway, please email the SIG chair, Mike Osborne.

Events

As a focal point for marine and coastal professionals with a particular interest in the creation, management and use of data in marine applications, the SIG organizes events throughout the year.  These include conferences, site visits, focal group and discussions meetings.  Current events include:

Information Strategies for Marine Planning 2 Sep 2010

If you have an idea for a particular event or have any comments on past or future events, please email the current SIG chair.

Planned Activities

Over the next few weeks the SIG will be establishing a number of resources to the benefit of members these include:

  1. News feed of likely relevance and importance to members’ work and interests.  Topics will include INSPIRE Directive, UK Location Programme, international SDI and marine planning initiatives
  2. Educational resources and continuing professional development (CPD) programs
  3. Collective response to current Government policy and wider initiatives which influence or require the management and use of marine data, including for example Defra Marine Policy consultation.