The Association of Geographic Information (AGI) and the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) have launched a Joint Special Interest Group (SIG) on marine and coastal mapping and planning to reflect the cross- sectoral interest in geographic information and its increasing role in the sustainable development and use of the marine and coastal environments.

Topics covered by the Joint SIG include, but are not limited to: data availability, accessibility and interoperability, marine Spatial Data Infrastructures (SDI), new technologies and innovative data gathering platforms such as ROVs, AUVs and aircraft, communications including EM telemetry, acoustic telemetry and satellite links, remote sensing,  including via aircraft and satellites, processing, marine spatial planning, offshore resource development, pipeline and cable routing, ocean policy, and education and training.

The Joint SIG aims to provide a focal point for marine and coastal professionals with a particular interest in the creation, management and use of data to support marine policy, planning and other decision-making.  It will highlight the importance of planning as a common theme linking cross-sectoral interests and to actively promote the importance of robust data management practice and expertise to government and other stakeholder groups.  It will serve as a conduit to information and continuing professional development (CPD) resources relevant to marine mapping and planning policy and practice. Members can gain CPD points from attending both AGI and IMarEST events and qualify for discounts on membership and event fees. It will act as a source of expertise for policy-makers, building on, e.g., the standing of IMarEST within Intergovernmental Organizations (e.g., the IMO, the IOC, and similar bodies) and, e.g., the AGI’s success in responding to UK Government consultation.  Joint SIG Members would be asked to voice their expert opinion via the Joint SIG in order to contribute to the effective and sound responses by decision-makers on matters of regional, national and international importance. The Joint SIG is also a source of news of likely relevance and importance to members’ work and interests.  News should be distilled and, where appropriate, comments made to the SIG’s Management Committee on its likely impact.

The Management Committee ensures formal and effective governance of the Joint SIG, sets and monitor objectives and actions and serves as the link between the AGI Executive and IMarEST Technical Leadership Board. The current Committee Members are listed below.

Membership of the SIG is open to either AGI or IMarEST members, but joining both organisations is encouraged.  The website will be developed further but there is already a Discussion Forum running on the AGI website.  Please feel free to start a new thread on any relevant topic.

Details about how to join the AGI and IMarEST can be found on their respective websites. 

A link to the launch event held in London on 2 September on 'Information Strategies for Marine Planning', can be found on the Marine and Coastal SIG pages of the AGI website.

Please feel free to comment on any of the above or contact the Chair, Dr. Mike Osborne, with any questions or requests for further information.
M: 07714 799900
E: mike.osborne@oceanwise.eu

 

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

Other representatives may be appointed (e.g. marine planning) as they are identified, willing to stand and with the agreement of the management committee.

To Join: Members wishing to join the Coast and Ocean Mapping Special Interest Group should email technical@imarest.org quoting “Mapping” in the subject heading