Mapping the geology and topography of the european seas (European marine observation and data network, emodnet)

Marine engineering geology requires good seabed maps and access to metadata. In 2009 the European Commission established the European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet) programme, which is now in its fourth phase (2019–21). The programme is designed to assemble existing, but fragmented and partly inaccessible, marine data and to create contiguous and publicly available information layers which are interoperable and free of restrictions on use, and which encompass whole marine basins. This collection highlights the use of EMODnet Geology data for better understanding seafloor geology, coastal behaviour and geological events and probabilities. The papers illustrate methodological approaches to harmonizing and representing geological and geohazards information, resultant maps and datasets and their uses, alongside national datasets, for marine spatial planning.