The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) has released a suite of marine geospatial data for use by emergency responders and planners.
It said that over the past month it has added seven datasets to the ResilienceDirect network to complement the existing Simplified Marine Context Service, which it developed to support government applications using marine data.
The additions include information on the UK exclusive economic zone, continental shelf and territorial boundaries, UK port limits, current UK six and 12 nautical mile fishing limits and marine protected areas. There is also information on offshore infrastructure and wreck data.
UKHO said that as the service develops additional layers will be added.
The move is intended to give civil protection practitioners access to vital marine data in the preparation, response and recovery phases of an event or emergency. ResilienceDirect is a private secure web based service through which they work together.
Save lives
Luana Avagliano, head of ResilienceDirect, commented: “I am thrilled to be working with the UK Hydrographic Office, ensuring that the UK ResilienceDirect service now has sanitised digital marine coverage to provide a full capability where the land ends. Their world leading digital services will support our community and assist with our mission to save lives and aim to keep the UK safe.”
Simon Hampshire, product manager for UKHO, said: “With our Simplified Marine Context Service and range of marine geospatial services, we are helping responders and planners access the crucial data they need to operate effectively within the challenging marine environment.”
According to the Coastguard Search and Rescue Coordination Network, in 2018 there were more than 24,000 incidents in UK waters. UKHO said reliable marine data can improve the process of emergency response, allowing for greater cross-government collaboration.
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