Enhancement of an integrated map for recreational coastal navigation

Abstract

Maps are important tools whereby a wide variety of information can be extracted from them depending on their uses. Currently, Malta does not have a single map that displays all relevant information in relation to the coastal region. This study strives to fill in this gap by gathering and extracting information from various maps and online sources, as well as gathering additional information from in-situ data collection and displaying it on a single map. The Integrated Maltese Coastal Map, once completed would be freely available as a Google Map online and the data that has been collected so far can be accessed through the following URL http://ioi.research.um.edu.mt/coastaldatamichelle. The map is set up in a userfriendly manner where end-users are able to customise the map to suit their needs and is aimed to be used by multiple users. Various zoom levels were also utilised to ensure that the map is not cluttered. An analysis was also conducted on all the data that was collected so far and this was done to see whether or not the characteristic of the bay could be determined by looking at the infrastructure items found in the bay. The demands placed on the coast by various industries will only mean that the coast will continually change. For this reason, it is important that the coastal region is accurately mapped. The Integrated Maltese Coastal Map is set up in a way where it can be continually updated and added to. As more information is added, a comprehensive system of collecting and managing the data would take shape. This study is a work in progress, but once the Integrated Maltese Coastal Map is completed it can serve as a baseline and as a support to future studies in the coastal region.