Exploring geovisualisations as place based planning tools for collaborative marine and coastal management

Marine and coastal systems provide a wide range of ecosystem services that have significant economic and societal importance. Effective management of these complex and highly dynamic areas requires a broad understanding of these systems, their processes, the various spatial and temporal factors that influence them and how they are perceived. Therefore the aim of this project is to develop tools and scenarios using cutting edge mapping technology to both inform and engage a broad range of marine stakeholders and coastal communities about the implications of management options in terms of their potential effects on environmental, social and economic values and interests. The appointed person will also work with stakeholders to evaluate the tools they design to assess their potential usefulness and their representation of marine places. They will obtain both theoretical knowledge related to ocean literacy, stakeholder participation, ecological impact, and geovisualisation. In addition, they will also gain applied knowledge and technical expertise associated with handling, analysing and assessing a variety of large spatial datasets as well as advanced skills in developing realistic geovisualisations. They will also work and engage with a transdisciplinary team of researchers, planners, stakeholders and managers to further develop their skills in stakeholder engagement and develop their wider professional networks.