72
P.A.G. Watts
where there are many, frequently consortium, players who need to contribute and
exchange both data and information about coastal zone phenomena in the design and
execution of their business. In this regard, there is much to be learnt from the
pioneering work already done by David R. Green and Stephen D.King at the University
of Aberdeen on using the Internet, World Wide Web and Browsers to create a prototype
“network GIS” for coastal zone applications (Green, 1995). This “Coastal Zone
NGDF” model provides a particularly pertinent example of the sort of lateral thinking
that will be needed for “best practice” to evolve toward the next millennium in the
collation and integration of disparate but related data about the coastal zone.
Coastal Map Data Availability and Accessibility
None of the foregoing discussion is of practical relevance to practitioners in the Coastal
Zone arena unless the data described are available and accessible.
Fortunately in Great Britain, these issues are already well addressed.
Widespread information about the design, content and technical specification of all
Ordnance Survey products can easily be obtained. It is available either from OS stands
at many trade and sector specific conferences and exhibitions, or else direct from the
Customer Services Sales Desk at OSHQ in Southampton. Comprehensive catalogues
and price lists, and access to technical and sales support are readily available on request.
For many coastal zone users, OS data is already easily accessible within their
own organisations. For example, the Local Authority community already has a long
standing centrally negotiated Service Level Agreement (SLA). This was established
with OS to provide for the comprehensive supply of a “basket” of maintained digital
and graphical products, in return for a standardised annual payment covering data
supply, use and copyright royalties. These payments are collected from all Local
Authorities. OS is always willing to consider proposals from LA users to extend this
“basket” of products to meet the specific needs of specialist users within Local
Government.
Similar SLA arrangements exist with Central Government in Scotland under
the auspices of the “Scottish Executive” SLA, and (covering copyright royalty payments
only) with the major Utilities. Negotiations are in hand, or under active consideration,
across a wide range of other customer sectors. In return for stable revenue streams, OS
is able to offer favourable “consortium terms” to large users and user communities. It
follows that if there are specific consortium interests or customer groupings who can
come together for mutual benefit, such as those collectively managing the coastal
environment, OS will be willing to consider how best to respond favourably to their
common needs.
Summary
Coastal Zone management processes will benefit from the evolution and adoption of
“best practice” approaches and methodologies. In these GIS has a key role to play, and
reliable, consistent, high quality topographic information is a key decision-informing
component. Digital Mapping and GIS products will offer the flexibility and
functionality to enable Coastal Management Planning to become dynamic, responsive
P.A.G. Watts
where there are many, frequently consortium, players who need to contribute and
exchange both data and information about coastal zone phenomena in the design and
execution of their business. In this regard, there is much to be learnt from the
pioneering work already done by David R. Green and Stephen D.King at the University
of Aberdeen on using the Internet, World Wide Web and Browsers to create a prototype
“network GIS” for coastal zone applications (Green, 1995). This “Coastal Zone
NGDF” model provides a particularly pertinent example of the sort of lateral thinking
that will be needed for “best practice” to evolve toward the next millennium in the
collation and integration of disparate but related data about the coastal zone.
Coastal Map Data Availability and Accessibility
None of the foregoing discussion is of practical relevance to practitioners in the Coastal
Zone arena unless the data described are available and accessible.
Fortunately in Great Britain, these issues are already well addressed.
Widespread information about the design, content and technical specification of all
Ordnance Survey products can easily be obtained. It is available either from OS stands
at many trade and sector specific conferences and exhibitions, or else direct from the
Customer Services Sales Desk at OSHQ in Southampton. Comprehensive catalogues
and price lists, and access to technical and sales support are readily available on request.
For many coastal zone users, OS data is already easily accessible within their
own organisations. For example, the Local Authority community already has a long
standing centrally negotiated Service Level Agreement (SLA). This was established
with OS to provide for the comprehensive supply of a “basket” of maintained digital
and graphical products, in return for a standardised annual payment covering data
supply, use and copyright royalties. These payments are collected from all Local
Authorities. OS is always willing to consider proposals from LA users to extend this
“basket” of products to meet the specific needs of specialist users within Local
Government.
Similar SLA arrangements exist with Central Government in Scotland under
the auspices of the “Scottish Executive” SLA, and (covering copyright royalty payments
only) with the major Utilities. Negotiations are in hand, or under active consideration,
across a wide range of other customer sectors. In return for stable revenue streams, OS
is able to offer favourable “consortium terms” to large users and user communities. It
follows that if there are specific consortium interests or customer groupings who can
come together for mutual benefit, such as those collectively managing the coastal
environment, OS will be willing to consider how best to respond favourably to their
common needs.
Summary
Coastal Zone management processes will benefit from the evolution and adoption of
“best practice” approaches and methodologies. In these GIS has a key role to play, and
reliable, consistent, high quality topographic information is a key decision-informing
component. Digital Mapping and GIS products will offer the flexibility and
functionality to enable Coastal Management Planning to become dynamic, responsive