Abstract

Abstract

SeaSketch is software as a service (SaaS) that supports geospatial data visualization, data collection, geodesign and interactive map-based discussions. Originally developed to support marine spatial planning, SeaSketch is also used for more generalized purposes including research planning and crowdsourcing of spatial information. Like many participatory GIS applications, SeaSketch is intended to democratize planning efforts by exposing authoritative datasets through a publicly accessible web-interface, alongside tools that non-technical stakeholders may use to contribute information (such as where and how ocean space is used and valued), sketch and evaluate spatial plans (such as prospective ocean zones) and share ideas in public and private forums. Launched in 2012, SeaSketch has been used to support dozens of planning initiatives around the world but heretofore has required a license fee and some collaboration with the developers at the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB), particularly when creating analytics and reports used to evaluate spatial plans. The latest version is published under the open-source BSD license and may be used for free, increasing potential adoption and long-term sustainability of SeaSketch projects.

Keywords
GeoDesign,
Marine spatial planning,
Software as a service,
Surveys,

Keywords