Geo-processing Technology Trends in the Context of Ocean Mapping and Hydrographic Surveys that Support Future Marine Spatial Planning & Management.

The current increased awareness in the oceans and marine areas has presented a challenge to the various institutions that work to gather data and manage information for the wider community of stakeholders.

A number of trends and developments are becoming available to assist and further the national and international ocean mapping and monitoring initiatives. Some are technical in nature whilst others are related to the promotion and availability of information.

This paper highlights a number of these key trends, their impact on ocean mapping and how we as scientists may be able to better engage and promote the need for good data and the potential added value and benefits to be derived.

Whilst a significant amount of resources can be expended on acquiring and collecting high resolution bathymetric and hydrographic data there are new technologies to mitigate some of the bigger costs and with collaboration and cooperation greater benefits may be realized by the wider socio-economic communities who rely upon well governed and sustainable seas and oceans.