The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has partnered with leading mapping company, Esri to create an open data platform that will provide ocean and coastal data for decision-makers and communities. The platform will leverage NOAA’s data stores with Esri’s geospatial technical capabilities to help users address critical issues, with information tailored to their needs.
Currently, vital ocean and coastal data exist across a patchwork of disconnected sources and can require significant translation before use by stakeholders. The agreement between NOAA and Esri seeks to break down those barriers to accessible and understandable data.
NOAA and Esri will build a prototype ocean and coastal data hub demonstration project that turns big, potentially overwhelming amounts of data into local, issue-relevant information — like conservation planning or renewable energy siting. The hub will provide a proof of concept for harnessing NOAA data and translating them into actionable knowledge. It will also serve as a key component in the development of cross-sector partnerships and collaborations among ocean community organizations, NGOs, academia and the private sector needed to help identify gaps in understanding and initiatives.
“The ocean covers 70% of our planet, and yet its terrain and ecosystems remain some of the most unknown on the planet,” said Jack Dangermond, Esri president. “We are happy to collaborate with NOAA to help make their comprehensive and authoritative ocean and coastal data a mapping resource for decision-making, conservation and education.”
The end goal is to design an ocean and coastal data information system that not only shows users where to access data, but informs users on how best to interpret and use that data.
“This collaboration could not come at a more important time in helping our coastal communities remain vibrant now and in the future,” said NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad, Ph.D. “Combining NOAA’s ocean and coastal expertise with Esri’s long history of user-centered tools will unlock the true value of these data in the hands of the communities that need them most.”
