Data
U.S. Marine Boundaries
About the Data
U.S. marine boundaries encompass the geographic extent of rights, interests, and responsibilities in submerged lands and marine spaces. Marine boundaries are comprised of U.S. maritime boundaries and limits, U.S. seabed and subsoil boundaries, and marine managed areas. This data collection is also referred to as the marine cadastre.
Marine boundary data forms the base for all marine spatial planning activities, including alternative energy development and ocean planning.
Data Standards
NOAA has been working closely with the Department of Interior’s Minerals Management Service and Fish and Wildlife Service, and with other agencies, on a standardized data model for marine boundaries. The data model is based primarily on the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) Cadastral Data Content Standard. To promote interoperability, NOAA is also implementing the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) Web Map Service and KML specification for marine boundaries.
For Additional Information
Multipurpose Marine Cadastre Information: www.csc.noaa.gov/mbwg/htm/multipurpose.html
FGDC Marine Boundary Working Group: http://www.csc.noaa.gov/mbwg/
