The Crown Estate has recently demonstrated their use of a Geographical Information System (GIS) as part of their ‘Whole of Seabed’ approach
The Crown Estate has recently demonstrated their use of GIS in their Whole of Seabed approach to plan the protection of the natural environment up to 2050, as the UK plans to increase offshore energy generation.
Expected offshore projects include wind energy, carbon capture, telecoms, and mineral extraction.
The Crown Estate will use GIS to protect the seabed
The GIS software allows the Crown Estate to simulate the demands upon the seabed around the UK up to 2050, including expected offshore projects, and use this to support developers in where and how to implement their projects.
This will allow the Crown Estate to effectively protect the natural environment of the seabed and its inhabitants, while allowing proposed work, such as the newly forming GB Energy and their proposed 20-30gw of extra offshore wind energy.
The Crown Estate have won an award for this innovation
Esri’s annual User Conference in California saw an award granted to the Crown Estate’s GIS software.
Esri president, Jack Dangermond, said: ““Users around the world are applying GIS in countless fields to take a geographic approach toward solving complex problems and global issues. It is my honour to recognise these organisations for their innovative work integrating geospatial technology across industries, helping to build a better world.”
Michelle Moore, spatial planning director at the Crown Estate, said: “With an increasingly busy seabed, it is critical that development decisions are based on robust data and evidence. Advanced Esri spatial analysis tools allow us to tackle complex, multidimensional problems in an open and transparent way. Our unique ability to plan for the long-term and convene a wide range of stakeholders, helps us to balance all interests to achieve the best outcomes for net zero, nature and economic growth.”
