CoastGIS'99: geomatics and coastal environment
The Canadian Council on Geomatics has initiated a program called
the Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (CGDI) (Labonte et al.,
1998). Its components are:
- a common national framework of core data sets and more specific
databases ;
- a client-centred access via an Internet-based clearinghouse ;
- international standards;
- a supportive policy environment ;
- partnerships.
Federal, provincial and territorial agencies in Canada have adopted a
Statement ofPrinciples on partnerships, to gather data in partnerships,
gather data only once and to share and use data many times.
A coastal zone information infrastructure for Atlantic Canada will fit
into the context of the CGDI. Our experience suggests that a coastal zone
information infrastructure requires standards which go beyond the
standards for the base map. They must include standards for thematic
information. Table 2, a summary of a number ol authors from Kucera
(1995), outlines the data needs for a coastal GIS or coastal zone information infrastructure. Metadata must go beyond simple Database Directories.
Agreements between organizations have to go beyond Memoranda of
Understanding towards integrated operations. Delivery mechanisms
must be more functional.
Table 2 - Data needs of a coastal GIS (after Kucera, 1995).
Geomorphology
Shoreline, elevation, drainage, bathymetry; ocean sediments, coastal soils, ocean
and shoreline geology; aquifer data.
Dynamic factors
Tides, currents and wave energy; meteorology; seasonal effects.
Biogeography
Intertidal habitat; water chemistry; fisheries; birds; mammals; marine invertebrates
and plants.
Political geography Jurisdictional boundaries; administrative boundaries, legislative boundaries,
cadastral boundaries.
Economic geography Land, shoreline and offshore use; land cover; well locations, ownership, composition;
building permits; zoning; episodic waste release; sewage treatment facilities;
sport fishing and other recreational harvesting; marinas and smallcraft harbours.
Transportation links Ferry routes and other marine transportation; airports; road network;
navigable rivers.
Special-status areas
Archeological sites; wildlife sanctuaries, ecological preserves; national, state,
provincial, and local parks; First Nations’ lands.
Conclusions
Partnerships are necessary to put the puzzle together. Partnerships can
be of many flavours, formal and informal, but must bring a net benefit
to all parties in the partnership. Partnerships help expand an organization’s client base and product base.
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The Canadian Council on Geomatics has initiated a program called
the Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (CGDI) (Labonte et al.,
1998). Its components are:
- a common national framework of core data sets and more specific
databases ;
- a client-centred access via an Internet-based clearinghouse ;
- international standards;
- a supportive policy environment ;
- partnerships.
Federal, provincial and territorial agencies in Canada have adopted a
Statement ofPrinciples on partnerships, to gather data in partnerships,
gather data only once and to share and use data many times.
A coastal zone information infrastructure for Atlantic Canada will fit
into the context of the CGDI. Our experience suggests that a coastal zone
information infrastructure requires standards which go beyond the
standards for the base map. They must include standards for thematic
information. Table 2, a summary of a number ol authors from Kucera
(1995), outlines the data needs for a coastal GIS or coastal zone information infrastructure. Metadata must go beyond simple Database Directories.
Agreements between organizations have to go beyond Memoranda of
Understanding towards integrated operations. Delivery mechanisms
must be more functional.
Table 2 - Data needs of a coastal GIS (after Kucera, 1995).
Geomorphology
Shoreline, elevation, drainage, bathymetry; ocean sediments, coastal soils, ocean
and shoreline geology; aquifer data.
Dynamic factors
Tides, currents and wave energy; meteorology; seasonal effects.
Biogeography
Intertidal habitat; water chemistry; fisheries; birds; mammals; marine invertebrates
and plants.
Political geography Jurisdictional boundaries; administrative boundaries, legislative boundaries,
cadastral boundaries.
Economic geography Land, shoreline and offshore use; land cover; well locations, ownership, composition;
building permits; zoning; episodic waste release; sewage treatment facilities;
sport fishing and other recreational harvesting; marinas and smallcraft harbours.
Transportation links Ferry routes and other marine transportation; airports; road network;
navigable rivers.
Special-status areas
Archeological sites; wildlife sanctuaries, ecological preserves; national, state,
provincial, and local parks; First Nations’ lands.
Conclusions
Partnerships are necessary to put the puzzle together. Partnerships can
be of many flavours, formal and informal, but must bring a net benefit
to all parties in the partnership. Partnerships help expand an organization’s client base and product base.
90