Geographic Information System Specializing in Hydrology

Geographic Information System Specializing in Hydrology

In the realm of geographic information systems (GIS), the integration of hydrographic data is becoming increasingly important, particularly in the Baltic Sea Region. This development aims to create comprehensive, multi-source GIS datasets that support sustainable spatial development and efficient transportation.

Hydrography, traditionally a service for navies and merchant fleets, has played a significant role in establishing and securing a global transportation network and exploring the hydrosphere. Today, it is being harnessed to promote maritime transport as an environmentally friendly means of transport and to provide continuous transport systems in the Baltic Sea.

The third conference of the Ministers of Transport of the Baltic Sea States set goals for the Baltic Sea, including these environmental and transportation objectives. The vision is for accurate and up-to-date, high-resolution geographic information to be readily available from anywhere (land, sea, air) and for any purpose.

The Vessel Traffic Management and Information Services (VTMIS) project of the European Commission is a prime example of this policy. VTMIS aims to facilitate vessel traffic management and includes services distributing relevant information for actors involved. Hydrographic information, such as real-time surface current data, digital navigational warnings, and temporary updates of electronic chart data, are essential components of VTMIS.

The development of information technology and computer power has allowed direct access to geographic information through digital databases. Real-time positioning with the Global Positioning System (GPS) and digital survey methods have increased the efficiency of information collection.

However, challenges remain in achieving seamless integration due to the complexity of combining diverse hydrographic data (bathymetry, seabed composition, currents) with terrestrial and transportation GIS layers. The nature of marine environments—dynamic and multi-layered—requires precise, high-resolution bathymetric and geological data which must be harmonized with land-based spatial information.

Successful integration must address environmental vulnerability and multi-use conflicts in coastal zones, requiring frameworks that incorporate environmental impact assessments and adaptation strategies. This is highlighted by conventions in neighboring seas such as the Caspian Sea (Tehran Convention), which emphasize coordinated scientific research and environmental management, a principle relevant for Baltic Sea governance as well.

The current developments emphasize creating integrated GIS platforms combining hydrographic data with coastal, environmental, and transportation layers for sustainable spatial planning in the Baltic Sea. Continued efforts involve European collaborations (like EMODnet) to provide accessible, standardized data supporting integrated maritime spatial planning and efficient transport networks.

This manuscript, a reprint of a paper published in 2000 in The International Hydrographic Review, titled "Hydrographic GIS" by Hecht, H., provides valuable insights into these developments. The paper can be found at this link: https://journals.lib.unb.ca/index.php/ihr/article/view/20499/23662

The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) has given hydrography additional functions in claims of maritime boundaries, marine environmental monitoring, use of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), management of living and non-living marine resources. The IHO's Transfer Standard for Digital Hydrographic Data (Special Publication S-57) is a flexible, powerful, modern GI data standard for digital hydrographic data.

Many hydrographic offices are working on establishing hydrographic information systems that allow the integration of different product lines, such as the production of Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) data, storing the results of hydrographic surveys, and producing paper charts and nautical publications.

Despite sea-borne traffic playing a very important role in the Baltic Sea, the Baltic Sea Region Project does not take hydrography into account. The European Union has studied the potential of VTMIS to enhance maritime transport and has established a project on information of a VTMIS Information Network.

In summary, current developments emphasize creating integrated GIS platforms combining hydrographic data with coastal, environmental, and transportation layers for sustainable spatial planning in the Baltic Sea. Challenges include data harmonization, real-time updating, and managing multi-stakeholder environmental objectives and adaptive spatial development. Continued efforts will involve European collaborations to provide accessible, standardized data supporting integrated maritime spatial planning and efficient transport networks.

1. The integration of hydrographic data in geographic information systems (GIS) is essential for sustainable spatial development and efficient transportation, particularly in the Baltic Sea Region.
2. Hydrographic survey plays a crucial role in establishing maritime boundaries, marine environmental monitoring, and the use of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), as defined by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
3. The European Commission's Vessel Traffic Management and Information Services (VTMIS) project is a prime example of utilizing hydrographic data for sustainable transportation and navigation in the Baltic Sea, incorporating components like real-time surface current data and digital navigational warnings.
4. Successful integration of diverse hydrographic data (bathymetry, seabed composition, currents) with terrestrial and transportation GIS layers requires addressing environmental vulnerability and multi-use conflicts in coastal zones, as well as harmonizing marine and land-based spatial information.
5. Advancements in technology, such as data-and-cloud-computing, digital survey methods, and real-time positioning with Global Positioning System (GPS), have increased the efficiency of hydrographic data collection.
6. The sports-betting industry, travel, and lifestyle sectors, while not directly mentioned in the context of hydrographic data, could potentially benefit from the sustainable spatial planning and efficient transport networks that result from the integration of hydrographic data with coastal, environmental, and transportation layers in GIS platforms.

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