Geographic information systems (GIS) as tools for better integrated coastal zone planning and management (ICZP/M)

Abstract

Geographic information systems (GIS) has practical applications in many areas, one of them being integrated coastal zone planning and management (ICZP/M). GIS can help combine several types of data from different sectors and may provide an overview over the various uses of the coastal zone. However, if full benefit is to be gained from GIS there are a number of problems and considerations that must be addressed. Some of the most important ones are briefly described in the paper and include lack of standardisation on various levels, problems when choosing the themes to be analysed and lack of data quality assurance. As an example of the application of GIS in coastal zone management we have chosen the identification of suitable areas for marine fish farming.