Enhancing marine topographical data discovery and access in the North Atlantic

The digital topographic map layers produced by EMODnet do not only show the depth of water, they also indicate where surveys are sparse and confidence in data is low. Extending this analysis for more distant waters requires collaboration with countries outside the EU who have similar programmes.

The Galway Statement signed by the European Union, Canada, and the United States in May 2013 facilitates this. Its Implementation Committee mandated an Atlantic Seabed Mapping International Working Group to take care of the issue. As a result, a prototype map viewer was developed showing EMODnet map layers together with those produced by Norway, Canada and the United States. This provides a basis for setting priorities for further surveys.