ABSTRACT
After three decades of technical development we have now reached the impressive situation in which computer and space technology have made it possible for us to sample, store, analyse, simulate, visualise and integrate enormous amounts of marine spatial digital data. We have the Global Positioning System (GPS) through which obtained precise locational measurements are being used for endless applications. We have Remote Sensing (RS), which include a number of advanced satellite sensors providing important and diverse information on global ocean surface, airborne sensors for the acquisition of multiple information for local smaller areas and underwater data recording devices for sampling the ocean water column. These sensors use the light and sound spectra, and electromagnetic and microwave radiation to convert spectral reflectance signatures to interpretable images of ocean environment. We have sophisticated image processing and analysis techniques, which include a variety of image enhancement and interpretation steps, such as radiometric and geometric corrections, georeference and classification. We have sophisticated geostatistical techniques, which are applied to field survey sampling data to reveal valuable relations and interactions among data. We have sophisticated physical and ecological modelling techniques, which allow data assimilation and forecasting of oceanographic processes and ecosystem conditions. We have sophisticated multidimensional scientific visualisation systems, which offer a unique method for comprehending the 3D nature of marine environment. These technological advances gave a boost in our knowledge and understanding of marine world processes by providing vast amounts of digital data and tools to interpret them.
