Mapping the MPAs of Scotland

In my last blog I highlighted an online interactive map available through the JNCC website in which people could easily visualise the MPAs within Scottish waters. I did find some little issues with the map that annoyed me slightly that were highlighted in the last blog. However, a very helpful comment left on that blog by one of my former undergraduate peers (thanks, Charlotte) drew my attention to the Marine Scotland website.

This map is available on the Marine Scotland website using the following link: https://marinescotland.atkinsgeospatial.com/nmpi/. It addresses the click and drag across the map problem I found was a niggle with the JNCC map. The map has all the same layering features as the JNCC map but, personally, I feel like this map has a much more appealing user interface, as it utilises OpenStreetMap. 

The map is free to access for any member of the public and it is relatively simple to to build all sorts of combinations of layers on the map. The useful aspect of this map is that it also allows you to download layers of the map as shape files. You can then use the shape files on your own personal mapping application, such as ArcGIS. All of these datasets are covered by Crown Copyright so be careful if you plan on utilising them.

This map was set up as part of the National Marine Plan Interactive (NMPi) scheme by the Scottish Government. New data sets are constantly added to further improve the functionality of the map. You can also register an account and contribute your own data if you want to. 

Alternatively, shape files can also be downloaded from the Natural Spaces section of the Scottish Natural Heritage website using the following link: https://gateway.snh.gov.uk/natural-spaces/index.jsp. However, you must have a registered account to download any data from this site but I believe it is free. You can download may different types of GIS files from this link and can also link your GIS desktop application to the online datasets using an OpenGIS web interface I was delighted to read whilst on the SNH website that they have constructed an Open Data Publication Plan to allow free access to data on their website.