Course summary
The MPglobal online course on Data Management and Ocean Observations for Marine/Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) supports ocean practitioners in understanding how effective data management and ocean observations underpin evidence-based MSP and contribute to informed decision-making and the sustainable use of marine and coastal areas.
Building on internationally recognised practices and guidance developed by the MSPglobal Programme of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO and hosted at the IOC’s Ocean Teacher Global Academy (OTGA), the course introduces fundamental concepts of data, metadata, and data management relevant to MSP. It also explores ocean observation systems, data types and monitoring approaches, including Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs) and Essential Climate Variables (ECVs), and how to identify, access and assess relevant ocean data to support evidence-based MSP and informed decision-making.
Designed as a self-paced course for an international audience, it provides the practical knowledge and tools to strengthen data-informed planning, improve access to and use of ocean information, and support effective, collaborative, and sustainable MSP processes.
Course content
The course is structured into four modules combining learning materials and practical guidance to help learners understand how data management, Spatial Data Infrastructures (SDIs) and ocean observations support evidence-based Marine/Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP).
The course is divided into the following modules:
- Module 1: Introduction to Data and its Importance to Marine Spatial Planning
- Module 2: Spatial Data Infrastructures (SDI) for MSP
- Module 3: Ocean Observations for Marine Spatial Planning
- Module 4: Future Directions and Emerging Trends in Ocean Data for MSP
