Abstract
This paper presents the Tools4MSP software package, a Python-based Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) for geospatial analysis in support of Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) and marine environmental management. The suite was initially developed within the ADRIPLAN data portal, that has been recently upgraded into the Tools4MSP Geoplatform (data.tools4msp.eu), an integrated web platform that supports MSP through the application of different tools, e.g., collaborative geospatial modelling of cumulative effects assessment (CEA) and marine use conflict (MUC) analysis. The package can be used as stand-alone library or as collaborative webtool, providing user-friendly interfaces appropriate to decision-makers, regional authorities, academics and MSP stakeholders. An effective MSP-oriented integrated system of web-based software, users and services is proposed. It includes four components: the Tools4MSP Geoplatform for interoperable and collaborative sharing of geospatial datasets and for MSP-oriented analysis, the Tools4MSP package as stand-alone library for advanced geospatial and statistical analysis, the desktop applications to simplify data curation and the third party data repositories for multidisciplinary and multilevel geospatial datasets integration. The paper presents an application example of the Tools4MSP GeoNode plugin and an example of Tools4MSP stand-alone library for CEA in the Adriatic Sea. The Tools4MSP and the developed software have been released as FOSS under the GPL 3 license and are currently under further development.
Highlights
Management and planning of the marine environment require a coordinated development of socio-economic activities, while ensuring a sustainable use of marine resources using an ecosystem-based approach (European Union, 2014; Center for Ocean Solutions, 2011; Douvere, 2008)
This research presents components and functionalities of the Tools4MSP software package, a Python-based Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) which implements a marine use conflict (MUC) analysis module based on the COEXIST methodology (Gramolini et al, 2010) and a cumulative effects assessment (CEA) module based on the methodology developed in Menegon et al (2018a)
Results for Tools4MSP GeoNode plugin and stand-alone library for the Adriatic Sea will be presented
Summary
Management and planning of the marine environment require a coordinated development of socio-economic activities, while ensuring a sustainable use of marine resources using an ecosystem-based approach (European Union, 2014; Center for Ocean Solutions, 2011; Douvere, 2008). The MSP process involves several user categories, from data producers (e.g., domain experts like ecologists and modellers) to stakeholders and planners. It requires a solid command of geographical information to create a more comprehensive understanding of coastal and marine areas and to support management and planning policies. This research presents components and functionalities of the Tools4MSP software package, a Python-based Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) which implements a marine use conflict (MUC) analysis module based on the COEXIST methodology (Gramolini et al, 2010) and a cumulative effects assessment (CEA) module based on the methodology developed in Menegon et al (2018a). Its implementation in the context of a collaborative Geoplatform supporting MSP and environmental management and its utilization as stand-alone library for cumulative effects assessment (CEA) is tested for the Adriatic Sea
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
