Hydrographic Data and GIS
79
efficiency and effectiveness of clean-up operations, by using GIS to predict the patterns
and rates of dispersal of pollutants that are accidentally spilled at sea.
TRADE AND INDUSTRY
For each of the four activities listed in the trade and industry section of Table 1 there
may be several different but inter-related requirements for GIS. For example, marine
biologists may require GIS to study changes in fish stocks. Fishermen may use GIS,
loaded with electronic charts and extra information about fishing grounds, for
navigation and to improve the quality and efficiency of their catches.
Fisheries
protection officers may use similar systems aboard vessels at sea to enforce fishing
regulations. In future fishing vessels may be fitted with transponders to allow shorebased fisheries inspectors to monitor and record the time these vessels spend at sea.
Marine sedimentologists may use GIS to model and monitor the effects dredging the
seabed for aggregates may have on adjacent coastlines. Regulators may use GIS to
record details of licences issued for dredging and to monitor whether companies adhere
to the conditions of these licences. Dredging companies may use GIS aboard their
vessels and ashore to control and monitor dredging operations. In the oil and gas
industry GIS may be used by oil companies to determine the extent of oil and gas fields
and to control drilling operations, whilst government officials may use GIS to record
details of licences issued for oil and gas exploration and extraction.
In the
construction industry GIS can be used to assist engineers to find optimum locations for
new outfalls, jetties, submarine cables and pipelines, shipping channels, ports,
marinas, power stations, oil refineries, bridges, tunnels and barrages, etc. These
systems can also be used by engineers, planners and environmental consultants to
determine the effects these structures will have on the environment.
EDUCATION AND SCIENCE
GIS are widely used in universities and colleges. Environmental sciences departments
use GIS to teach students about the environment and as tools for environmental
research. GIS are similarly used in many computer science, oceanography and civil
engineering departments for teaching and research purposes. These systems are also
extensively used in many research institutes.
DEFENCE
Defence applications of GIS extend beyond the coast, across the continental shelf and
into the deep oceans. Standard ECDIS equipment can be used as the basis of systems
for navigation, as well as command and control. Other applications require specialist
geospatial databases. Systems required to support amphibious operations can be based
on ECDIS technology, but they also require a specialist database that combines
standard large scale map and chart data with additional information on ground
conditions throughout the coastal zone. Minehunters require shipboard systems that
79
efficiency and effectiveness of clean-up operations, by using GIS to predict the patterns
and rates of dispersal of pollutants that are accidentally spilled at sea.
TRADE AND INDUSTRY
For each of the four activities listed in the trade and industry section of Table 1 there
may be several different but inter-related requirements for GIS. For example, marine
biologists may require GIS to study changes in fish stocks. Fishermen may use GIS,
loaded with electronic charts and extra information about fishing grounds, for
navigation and to improve the quality and efficiency of their catches.
Fisheries
protection officers may use similar systems aboard vessels at sea to enforce fishing
regulations. In future fishing vessels may be fitted with transponders to allow shorebased fisheries inspectors to monitor and record the time these vessels spend at sea.
Marine sedimentologists may use GIS to model and monitor the effects dredging the
seabed for aggregates may have on adjacent coastlines. Regulators may use GIS to
record details of licences issued for dredging and to monitor whether companies adhere
to the conditions of these licences. Dredging companies may use GIS aboard their
vessels and ashore to control and monitor dredging operations. In the oil and gas
industry GIS may be used by oil companies to determine the extent of oil and gas fields
and to control drilling operations, whilst government officials may use GIS to record
details of licences issued for oil and gas exploration and extraction.
In the
construction industry GIS can be used to assist engineers to find optimum locations for
new outfalls, jetties, submarine cables and pipelines, shipping channels, ports,
marinas, power stations, oil refineries, bridges, tunnels and barrages, etc. These
systems can also be used by engineers, planners and environmental consultants to
determine the effects these structures will have on the environment.
EDUCATION AND SCIENCE
GIS are widely used in universities and colleges. Environmental sciences departments
use GIS to teach students about the environment and as tools for environmental
research. GIS are similarly used in many computer science, oceanography and civil
engineering departments for teaching and research purposes. These systems are also
extensively used in many research institutes.
DEFENCE
Defence applications of GIS extend beyond the coast, across the continental shelf and
into the deep oceans. Standard ECDIS equipment can be used as the basis of systems
for navigation, as well as command and control. Other applications require specialist
geospatial databases. Systems required to support amphibious operations can be based
on ECDIS technology, but they also require a specialist database that combines
standard large scale map and chart data with additional information on ground
conditions throughout the coastal zone. Minehunters require shipboard systems that