New Open Data Resource Will Provide Easier Access to Critical Marine Information for Sustainable Decision-Making
REDLANDS, Calif.—October 2, 2024—Esri, the global leader in location intelligence recently entered into a cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA) with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to increase the accessibility of ocean and coastal data. This partnership will create a first-of-its-kind open data platform that will empower decision-makers and communities with equitable, actionable, and ready-to-use information. By combining NOAA’s world-class data with Esri’s geospatial technology, the online hub will provide timely, relevant, user-friendly information that helps support sustainable development while also protecting and restoring marine ecosystems.
Currently, vital ocean and coastal data exist across a patchwork of disconnected sources. This data often requires significant translation before stakeholders can make use of it.
“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 successes will unlock the true value of this data in the hands of the communities that need it most.”
As part of the agreement NOAA will build a prototype ocean and coastal data hub demonstration project using Esri technology that turns overwhelming amounts of data into local, issue-relevant information. The resulting hub will serve as a proof of concept for a new publicly accessible resource. Ocean community organizations, NGOs, academia, and the private sector will be able to use the hub make NOAA data an actionable tool for accomplishing their goals. The aim for the hub is a site where different visitors can find answers to wide-ranging questions like “Where can I fish?”, “Where can I lay an underwater cable?”, “What are the latest nautical charts?”, or “How is climate change impacting vital marine ecosystems?”
“The ocean covers 70 percent 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. By combining our expertise, we can unlock the full potential of this data and empower users to make informed decisions that contribute to a thriving blue economy while safeguarding our oceans and coasts for future generations.”
NOAA and Esri have a long history of collaborating on tools aimed at bringing understanding of ocean, weather, and climate data to users of all types. This includes the creation of Heat.gov as well as the Climate Mapping for Resilience and Adaptation (CMRA) portal. Both websites provide easily accessible and interactive geospatial information for decision-makers and stakeholders about climate hazards impacting their communities.
After six months and the completion of the demonstration project, NOAA and Esri will reevaluate their agreement and decide how to move forward.
To learn more about how Esri’s is helping advance the field of ocean science through GIS, visit esri.com/en-us/about/science/initiatives/ocean-science.
About Esri
Esri, the global market leader in geographic information system (GIS) software, location intelligence, and mapping, helps customers unlock the full potential of data to improve operational and business results. Founded in 1969 in Redlands, California, USA, Esri software is deployed in hundreds of thousands of organizations globally, including Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, nonprofit institutions, and universities. Esri has regional offices, international distributors, and partners providing local support in over 100 countries on six continents. With its pioneering commitment to geospatial technology and analytics, Esri engineers the most innovative solutions that leverage a geographic approach to solving some of the world’s most complex problems by placing them in the crucial context of location. Visit us at esri.com.
