UK Hydrographic Office to Maximize Geospatial Data

Government invests $6.55 million to help the UK Hydrographic Office and partner bodies on Geospatial Commission maximize the value of location-based information.

Location-based information or geospatial data, is an increasingly valuable tool for businesses and public-sector organisations. The government’s Geospatial Commission, announced in 2017, has been established to improve the quality of key, publicly-held data and make it easier to access and use.

By doing so, it is estimated the commission will unlock up to £11 billion of extra value for the U.K. economy each year.

As one of the 6 partner organisations on the commission (Geo6), the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) holds a broad range of UK marine geospatial data ranging from the seabed to the ocean’s surface. This includes high resolution bathymetry depicting the seafloor, as well as information on the water itself like density, salinity, temperature and movement.

Specialist teams also process information on maritime security, marine life, maritime limits and more. This data is vital to helping organisations make better use of the marine environment and use ocean resources in a sustainable way.

John Humphrey CEO at the UK Hydrographic Office, said, "Marine geospatial data is fundamental to helping us to make better use of the marine environment and ensure its protection for years to come. It’s the foundation on which to develop tourism and trade, as well as support disaster resilience and climate change mitigation."

He added: "As a marine geospatial agency, we are experts in sourcing and processing this location-based information, from seabed to surface. By leveraging our data-handling expertise, whether in hydrography and oceanography or software development and data science, we aim to help the Geospatial Commission maximize the value of this data to the UK."