Enhancing Hydrospatial Context through Singapore's National Marine Spatial Data Infrastructure, GEOSPACE-SEA
Singapore's maritime industry plays a significant role in the nation's economy, contributing 7% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employing over 170,000 people. The industry's importance is further underscored by the recent announcement of Singapore's expansion of aquaculture to its southern waters.
In June 2019, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) announced the setting up of a national Marine Spatial Data Infrastructure (MSDI) initiative called 'GeoSpace-Sea'. The initiative aims to serve as a source for integrated knowledge-based planning and development in Singapore, complementing the nation's terrestrial-based spatial data infrastructure.
The GeoSpace-Sea initiative is positioned to be the instrument for modeling Singapore for various applications. It aims to enhance the repository with the integration of near real-time data and enable hydrospatial end-user applications. The initiative also complements a wide range of applications beyond safety and efficiency of navigation, such as marine and coastal spatial planning, marine science research, climate change research, and disaster response.
The first phase of GeoSpace-Sea aimed to establish partnerships, implement the Geographic Information System (GIS) infrastructure, and provide access to government stakeholders. The MPA collaborated with 11 other government agencies and academic representatives for the marine component of the national SDI.
The changing local seascape and threats of climate change impacts are drivers for Singapore's GeoSpace-Sea initiative. Mr. Khoo Teng Chye, Executive Director of Centre for Liveable Cities, emphasized that planning requires an inventory of historical and present information.
Policymakers in Singapore recognize the need to move beyond port planning and produce a more comprehensive marine spatial plan and integrated urban coastal zone management. The 'Singapore Blue Plan 2018' highlights the need for a coordinated marine database for Singapore's sustainable management of sea space. Professor Lui Pao Chuen, adviser to the Ministry of National Development and National Research Foundation, supports that GeoSpace-Sea would be the source for integrated knowledge-based planning and development of Singapore.
The next phase of GeoSpace-Sea is expected to create access for institutes of higher learnings and public end-user groups. This expansion will further solidify GeoSpace-Sea's role as a comprehensive marine spatial plan and integrated urban coastal zone management initiative in Singapore.
- The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has established a national Marine Spatial Data Infrastructure (MSDI) initiative called 'GeoSpace-Sea', which aims to provide integrated knowledge-based planning and development for Singapore.
- GeoSpace-Sea complements a wide range of applications, including marine science research, climate change research, and disaster response, in addition to ensuring safety and efficiency of navigation.
- To achieve this, the initiative aims to integrate near real-time data and hydrospatial end-user applications, with technology playing a crucial role in modeling Singapore's marine environment.
- Recognizing the importance of comprehensive marine spatial planning and integrated urban coastal zone management, the 'Singapore Blue Plan 2018' emphasizes the need for a coordinated marine database, with GeoSpace-Sea being identified as a potential source for this data.
