© Tuula Palaste
The maritime spatial planning (MSP) process requires diverse information about marine areas. Most of this information can be stored and analyzed as spatial data. The natural way of communicating spatial planning processes is with spatial data visualized on maps.
Work Package 3 of Plan4Blue supports cross-border MSP by increasing the capacity of officials, planners and stakeholders to assess the interaction of socioeconomic marine activities and environmental values across space. Work Package 3 focuses on the effective visualization of current activities and planning options on maps, which requires optimal utilization of existing data. This aims to provide cost-efficient background information for decision-making and targeted production of new data.
To support the official MSP processes and project activities, Work Package 3 will follow two parallel thematic lines:
- Thematic line 1 produces guidelines for spatial data management and analysis in the cross-border MSP process. They consist of directions for data sharing, management, harmonization, analysis, modelling and visualization.
- Thematic line 2 produces spatial data and maps for the project at different stages. The process includes an inventory of data needs and availability in the Gulf of Finland, harmonization of this data and mapping the current environment, activities and interests. Spatial analysis identifies conflict-of-interest areas and areas of blue growth potential. Work Package 3 visualizes maritime spatial planning options and future scenarios for the Gulf of Finland on maps.
More information
Harri Tolvanen, Leader of the work package 3, University of Turku, Department of Geography and Geology, firstname.surname@utu.fi