This online self-paced course aims to support ocean practitioners in understanding how effective data management and ocean observations underpin evidence-based Marine/Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP). It highlights the critical role that reliable, accessible, and well-managed data play in informing planning processes, supporting decision-making, and enabling sustainable use of marine and coastal areas.  

 Building on internationally recognized practices and guidance developed by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO and MSPglobal initiative, this course introduces fundamental concepts of data, metadata, and data management relevant to MSP, and suggests relevant tools and services for MSP practitioners. Participants will explore the role of Spatial Data Infrastructures (SDIs) as key enablers for data sharing, interoperability, and collaboration, and will examine why SDIs are particularly beneficial for MSP initiatives. Practical insights are provided on how SDIs can be established, maintained, and continuously improved to meet evolving planning needs.  

 Additionally, the course introduces key elements of ocean observations and their relevance for MSP, including an overview of observation systems, data types, and monitoring approaches. The basics of Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs) and Essential Climate Variables (ECVs) are also included, explaining how these standardized variables support consistent, comparable, and policy-relevant information for marine planning. Participants will learn how to identify, access, and assess suitable ocean observation data to support specific MSP objectives and contexts. The course also highlights emerging trends and future directions in data management, SDIs, and ocean observations, and discusses implications for the evolving practice of MSP.  

Needs and priority

Format and Duration

This is a self-paced online course, comprising various learning resources, activities and assessments, with a total of 25 hours estimated for completion.

Language of instruction: English

Learning outcomes

Course content

The course is composed of four online modules: 

Module 1: Introduction to data and its importance to MSP

This module provides an introduction to MSP context, including the role of data in ocean management, fundamental data management principles and practices, the basics of spatial data, and principles of data security and responsible data sharing.

Module 2: Spatial Data Infrastructure for MSP

This module introduces Spatial Data Infrastructures and their role in supporting MSP, including its main components, creation and maintenance, institutional arrangements, stakeholder engagement, and capacity development.

Module 3: Ocean Observations for MSP

This module provides a comprehensive overview of ocean observation and its integration into MSP, within ocean data collection, management, coordination, and application to support evidence-based decisions. It also includes key concepts, technologies, frameworks, and practical aspects.

Module 4: Emerging trends in ocean observation for MSP

This module covers emerging topics of global importance, such as advances in sensor technology and autonomous systems applications, data availability and resolution, the Digital Twins of the Ocean, big data and artificial intelligence, global cooperation, transboundary marine spatial planning, and emerging ocean industries data.

Target audience

This course was developed by MSPglobal, through IOC’s Marine Policy and Regional Coordination Section, Ocean Observations and Services Section, and the International Oceanographic Data & Information Exchange Programme.

Facilitators

This course was developed by: 

• Annette Scheffer [OE profile]
• Niccolò Bassan [OE profile]
• Michele Quesada da Silva [OE profile]

We also acknowledge the contribution of different experts:

• Andrej Abramic [OE profile]
• Carolina García Valencia [OE profile]
• Dawn Wright [OE profile]
• Louis Demargne [OE profile]
• Manuel Frias [OE profile]
• Maeva Tesan [OE profile]
• Nathalie Tonné [OE profile]
• Pascal Derycke [OE profile]
• Stefano Menegon [OE profile]
• Veronica Nieves [OE profile]

Registration, costs, and technological requirements

This course is offered on a continuous basis, with open registrations as yearly cohorts, with no tuition fees.

To follow this course, participants shall have: 

Assessment & Certificate

This is a self-taught course that includes quizzes designed to help learners assess their own learning at regular intervals. In order to successfully complete the course and award a Certificate at the end, the following is mandatory:

• Complete every lesson, activity, and assessment;
• Complete all quizzes (80% minimum score, maximum 3 attempts, 40 minutes time limit for each attempt, questions may differ between attemps);
• Complete the mandatory pre-test and post-test; and
• Submit the required feedback form, which is mandatory for all OTGA courses.

Contacts

For any questions, please contact OTGA Secretariat (ioc.training@unesco.org) always using the name of the course as e-mail subject.

Cancellation policy

In the event of cancellation of the course by the OTGA or its affiliates, we will provide notification of cancellation at least 7 days prior to the course date. In the event of cancellation by the attendee, we should receive notification of cancellation at least 7 days prior to the course date.

Additional acknowledgement

This course was developed based on the MSPglobal Data Toolboxes Volume 1“How to develop a Spatial Data Infrastructure for MSP” and Volume 2 “How to use Ocean Observations for MSP”. We gratefully acknowledge all contributors who made these publications possible.

We thank the external partners who granted use of images/visuals to enhance the materials of this course, including: British Antarctic Survey; European Space Agency (ESA) / ATG medialab; Clive McMahon.