Recommendations regarding bathymetric survey data

The Belgian part of the North Sea is one of the most dimensioned marine zones in the world. Governments, researchers and private companies are actively collecting data there. This multitude of data, and the multitude of players involved, can create opportunities for cooperation.

From this perspective, the idea to formulate recommendations on planning, collecting and sharing bathymetric survey data gradually emerged. To this end, an appeal was made to all actors involved in data collection and exploration of the Belgian part of the North Sea.

Process

 A general info session took place in October 2021.  This info session was a first step to bring together the diverse group of data users and map their needs and expectations. The survey that followed the info session concluded that there is a need for more qualitative data and optimisation of data access (exchanging data, increasing the findability and usability of available data).

In June 2022, 2 workshops were organised to see how a standard workflow could be created via an agreement framework to exchange data. The focus was on bathymetric survey data, and clear recommendations were formulated to ensure that data is available and exchanged. In time, all this could also be rolled out to other types of data.

All recommendations formulated during the workshops were then compiled into one document, which you can now download from our website. This recommendation document is a first step towards further cooperation and open dialogue. It should therefore be seen as a means to achieve effective and efficient sharing of bathymetric data.

Credits

Blue Cluster (DBC), together with Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) and Agency Maritime Services and Coast (MDK), is the author of this document and has worked closely with several companies and knowledge institutions from its network for this purpose.

Do you have substantive questions about this text? If so, we invite you to contact Eveline Buyck (DBC), Lien Loosvelt (DBC), Chantal Martens (VLIZ) and/or Koen Vanstaen (MDK).