Presenting Oceanographic Data Spatially: Dilemma or Opportunity?

A proposal to create a computer-based atlas of the seas around the United Kingdom is currently being evaluated by British oceanographers and digital cartographers. Some novel features are that both on-line queries and access via floppy disc would be possible, whilst a high quality hard-copy would be generated every 5 years or so. Furthermore, any marine scientist could have a summary of his data incorporated into the computer-based atlas, thus enabling the atlas to develop and expand. A key aspect, that is currently being discussed, is the way in which data that are known to vary with season or periodically in some other way should be displayed. Other talking points are the resources needed to support such a project and the ways in which its general scientific credibility can be established and maintained. This paper summarises the discussions to date, in the hope that some participants may be able to add to them from their experience whilst others may short-cut their own problems with similar projects that are just beginning.