Understanding and implementing effective data management principles and processes to improve operational and business efficiencies was the key message delivered by OceanWise in London and Rio de Janeiro during November. In each case, the message was backed up by papers from industry leaders, case studies by sector practitioners and discussion amongst delegates.
Schematic of a Typical Maritime Information Infrastructure (Source: OceanWise)
Over fifty people from across the maritime sector, including ports, engineering and environmental consultants, energy companies and government, attended a Maritime Workshop in London hosted by GIS vendor, Cadcorp, and marine data management specialist, OceanWise. Presentations included the UK’s Ports Policy: A Framework for Future Development and Management by Philip Grindrod from the Department for Transport and Marine Spatial Planning Developments in England and Wales by Alan Storer from Welsh Government. Both presentations highlighted the importance of fit for purpose data and information, robustly managed and easily accessible, to deliver successful outcomes. This message was central to Dr Anne Kemp’s (Atkins Ltd) presentation on how ‘Building Information Modelling’ or BIM is now a key requirement for all Government infrastructure projects.
Also at the Workshop, Cadcorp and OceanWise demonstrated how location, GIS and OceanWise’s marine data management software can be used to make the sharing of spatial data between people and between systems much easier. Dr Mike Osborne then explained how these tools can be used to deliver efficiencies by setting up a ‘Maritime Information Infrastructure’ using open standards and systems (Figure 1). Use cases included implementations of these systems within the Port of Southampton and at Clydeport by Tom Broomfield and Douglas Hoad, respectively, and by Subsea Asset Location Technology by Lisa Symes. Discussion centred on the many primarily organisational challenges that still exist and how, in practical terms, these can be overcome, utilising the expertise available.
The message then travelled to the southern hemisphere where OceanWise delivered the first course to be held by the South West Atlantic Hydrographic Commission on 'Marine Data Management, Database Design and Marine SDI'. This time the message was delivered with the help of Canadian GIS specialist, Caris. Delegates came from countries throughout South and Central America and were supported financially by the International Hydrographic Organisation (Figure 2). Feedback from the course was again excellent with delegates noting how Marine SDI principles will not only help them add value to their existing data holdings through the development of new products and services but also to increase efficiencies and advance their capabilities in existing markets.
Group Photograph of Delegates attending Marine SDI Course in Brazil
About OceanWise
OceanWise Ltd is an independent company specialising in all aspects of marine environmental data acquisition, data and knowledge management and GIS. OceanWise personnel have been pioneering the development of marine data and software products for over 15 years, including at the UK Hydrographic Office. OceanWise undertakes capacity building courses in the domain of marine data management, GIS and SDI in the UK and internationally. In addition, OceanWise offers:
- Digital Marine Mapping: Raster Charts, Marine Themes and Digital Elevation Model
- Environmental Data Management and Publishing (Ocean Database and Port-Log.net)
- Sector Specific Productivity Tools (Maritime Toolbar and Workflow Extensions)
- GIS and Marine Data Acquisition, Management and Dissemination Advice and Training.
For more information on how OceanWise can improve your environmental and spatial data management capacity and capabilities, please contact Mr John Pepper, Marketing Director, on john.pepper@oceanwise.eu or visit the OceanWise website at www.oceanwise.eu.
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