The development of EMODnet standard classifications for the various categories of seabed substrate allowed a digital map layer covering Russian, Finnish and Estonian waters to contribute towards the Gulf of Finland assessment published in 2016. This was one of the most important outcomes of the Gulf of Finland Year arranged by the three countries in 2014. The map, which shows that erosion, transportation, and accumulation bottoms have combined to give a patchy substrate distribution, also formed the basis of the regional spatial plan for the sea area created by the Regional Council of Kymenlaakso.