Discover a carefully selected collection of external resources that support best practices, data sharing principles, and foundational knowledge in ocean science and digital twin technologies. These materials equip projects with the standards, interoperability frameworks, and data-management know-how needed for success.
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EO4GEO is designed to bridge the skills gap in the space and geospatial sectors. EO4GEO focuses on strengthening the workforce by aligning education and training with industry needs. The project promotes innovative approaches to training, such as case-based learning, collaborative scenarios, living labs, and on-the-job training.
You will gain:
Access to educational tools, training resources, and curricula tailored to real-world applications.
The EMODnet Portal offers a vast array of marine data, metadata, and data products. It covers seven key themes: bathymetry, geology, physics, chemistry, biology, seabed habitats, and human activities, offering insights into the entire marine environment from coastal zones to the deep ocean.
You will gain:
Familiarity with accessing and using multidisciplinary marine datasets.
Skills to analyze spatial data related to ocean science and the Blue Economy.
Insights into marine trends such as vessel traffic, offshore infrastructure, and seabed mapping.
SeaDataNet is an infrastructure that connects open digital repositories to manage and share marine data from ships, automated monitoring systems, and satellites. It is a virtual data center, which brings in situ and satellite data through standardized protocols and cutting-edge IT tools.
You will gain:
Skills to access and work with integrated, quality-assured marine datasets.
Understanding how to use metadata, data products, and archival resources from diverse ocean observation platforms.
The Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI) is a U.S. National Science Foundation-funded network of more than 900 instruments delivering real-time oceanographic data from across the globe.
You will gain:
Access to the OOI Data Explorer for searching, downloading, and analyzing live and archived ocean data.
A collection of publications and scientific highlights revealing the latest discoveries in ocean science.
A dedicated Resources section for educators, offering tools to bring real-time ocean data into undergraduate courses.
The NASA Ocean Biology Processing Group (OBPG) specializes in managing and analyzing ocean color and biological data from NASA, NOAA, and international satellite missions.
You will gain:
Access to satellite-derived ocean color data and bio-optical products.
Understanding of long-term ocean changes and primary productivity.
Exploration tools and resources used in mission support, calibration, and validation.
Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) is an integrative, cross-sectoral process designed to organize the use of marine space more effectively and sustainably. MSP helps coordinate diverse maritime activities, including energy, shipping, fishing, and conservation, while ensuring healthy marine ecosystems.
The Blue-Cloud platform is an open-science environment built to support multidisciplinary marine research. It offers access to data and tools, enabling scientists to collaboratively explore, analyze, and share marine datasets across disciplines.
You will gain:
Access to the Data Discovery & Access Service (DD&AS), a user-friendly, FAIR-compliant system for discovering and retrieving ocean data from federated European marine infrastructures.
Tools within the Virtual Research Environment (VRE), an integrated workspace offering analytical, harmonization, and visualization tools for diverse marine datasets
The Ocean Literacy Portal is a global hub of educational and awareness-raising resources designed to foster a deeper understanding of the ocean’s role in our lives. The Portal helps build the knowledge, values, and behaviors to become ocean-literate citizens, empowered to make informed and responsible decisions about the ocean and sustainability.
The OceanTeacher Global Academy is an internet-based learning platform offering classroom, blended, and online training on ocean science and services. Learners gain access to high-quality courses that build capacity across all IOC Member States in areas such as ocean observations, research, and sustainable development.
OBIS offers data on ocean biodiversity and biogeography. It supports global efforts to monitor, understand, and protect marine life by integrating biological data with environmental information such as climate and chemistry. By offering standardized tools, best practices, and open-access datasets, the platform empowers researchers, policymakers, and educators to address challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and marine spatial planning.
The MSPglobal Initiative advances Marine/Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) worldwide. MSP is a collaborative public process that organizes where and when human activities occur in marine areas to meet ecological, economic, and social goals.
MSPglobal accelerates MSP adoption by promoting ecosystem-based, transboundary, and sustainable Blue Economy planning while building global capacity and improving communication among stakeholders.
You will gain:
Knowledge of best practices for ecosystem-based and transboundary marine spatial planning.
Access to international guidelines, training resources, and policy tools for MSP Insights into real-world MSP processes, case studies, and collaborative projects.
Capacity-building opportunities to apply MSP principles in your region or field.
Opportunities to participate in the global dialogue on ocean governance through MSP Forums.
EuroSea is a European initiative aimed at improving ocean observing and forecasting systems within a global context. The project advances scientific knowledge on ocean climate, marine ecosystems, and their resilience to human impacts, while highlighting the critical role oceans play in supporting human well-being, safety, sustainable development, and the blue economy.
You will gain:
Understanding the importance of coordinated, long-term ocean observations.
Insights into how enhanced forecasting services support climate science, coastal resilience, maritime activities, and ocean health.
Access to developments in FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data practices for marine science.
Awareness of the value of integrated data services like Copernicus Marine Service, EMODnet, and SeaDataNet.
Knowledge of the role of user engagement in shaping ocean observing systems for the future.
The Mediterranean Blue Economy Stakeholder Platform (MedBESP) is an online hub dedicated to fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and capacity-building around the blue economy in the Mediterranean region. Acting as a "one-stop shop," MedBESP offers a wide range of resources, including reports, handbooks, training materials, webinars, newsletters, and information about research centers and universities active in blue economy topics.
You will gain:
Access to up-to-date reports, handbooks, and publications relevant to blue economy sectors.
Training opportunities to develop skills and knowledge in maritime governance, sustainable blue economy development, and regional cooperation.
Resources to support cross-sector collaboration and foster sustainable economic growth in the Mediterranean coastal and marine sectors.
JERICO-RI is a European research infrastructure that provides a comprehensive and integrated approach to observing and understanding coastal marine environments. It connects various research platforms across land, atmosphere, and ocean, offering a crucial link in Europe’s marine observation system. Designed to support collaborative and interdisciplinary research, JERICO-RI gives users access to high-quality data, cutting-edge facilities, and services tailored to coastal monitoring and forecasting needs.
You will gain:
Access to FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) coastal data and observation tools.
A deeper understanding of how coastal marine systems are changing over time.
Opportunities to collaborate with a pan-European network of marine researchers.
Support for advanced coastal modeling, forecasting, and decision-making.
The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) is a leading marine science organization committed to advancing scientific knowledge of marine ecosystems and promoting sustainable ocean use. It serves as a platform for sharing impartial evidence and expert advice on the state of the seas and oceans.
You will gain:
Access to reports, strategic plans, and advisory resources that inform ocean conservation and sustainable marine management.
A better understanding of ecosystem-based management and the science behind it.
Tools to support decision-making in conservation, fisheries, marine policy, and climate resilience.
Insights into international collaboration in marine science across ICES member countries.
The WestMED Initiative tackles pressing regional challenges by promoting marine safety and security, sustainable blue growth and job creation, ecosystem preservation, and biodiversity protection.
You will gain:
Access to official policy documents, executive summaries, infographics, project fiches, and webinars addressing maritime governance and blue economy topics.
Reports from major stakeholder events and Hackathons, offering insights into regional trends and collaborative initiatives.
Knowledge of how national and regional stakeholders are aligning around shared blue economy goals to shape resilient, inclusive, and forward-looking marine strategies.
EuroGOOS coordinates and promotes sustained ocean observing in European seas to support a wide range of marine and maritime activities. It fosters collaboration among working groups, task teams, and observing networks to ensure the delivery of high-quality marine data and services.
You will gain:
Access to coordinated and sustained ocean observation networks across Europe.
Involvement in shaping and applying strategies for data collection, sharing, and standardization.
Engagement with expert communities through EuroGOOS working groups and regional systems.
Insights into best practices and standards that support marine research, forecasting, and blue economy development.
IUCN serves as a global authority on the status of nature and the actions needed to safeguard it. Through collaborative research, global partnerships, and extensive conservation projects, IUCN supports informed decision-making, sustainable development, and effective environmental governance.
You will gain:
Access to globally recognized environmental standards, guidelines, and tools.
Knowledge from over 75 years of conservation leadership.
Insights into successful international conservation projects and practices.
Opportunities for collaboration across government, civil society, indigenous groups, and academia.
A platform for learning how science and traditional knowledge are used to combat habitat loss and support ecosystem restoration.
WISE Marine is an interactive platform that provides access to comprehensive data and information on the state of Europe's seas, the pressures they face, and the actions being taken to protect and conserve them. Developed to support evidence-based marine policy and public awareness, the portal integrates multiple datasets and tools to explore marine conditions across the EU.
Through this resource, you can:
Visualize and analyze marine spatial data through the WISE Marine Map Viewer.
Access Marine Protected Area (MPA) statistics and track their status and trends in Europe.
Explore detailed datasets and dashboards from the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD).
Review catalogues of policy measures, including those for shipping and ports, to understand the management actions being implemented.
OCTO is a global platform that connects over 100,000 ocean professionals in 120 countries. Through programs and community-driven initiatives, OCTO empowers marine conservationists, researchers, and resource managers with the knowledge and tools to apply best practices in marine ecosystem protection and sustainable management.
You will gain access to:
OCTO Webinars: Regular webinars for staying current on ocean research and tools.
MPA Help: Guidance on managing marine protected areas.
EBM Help: Support for ecosystem-based management practices.
Ocean Plastic List: Information exchange to combat ocean plastic pollution.
Custom Solutions: Tailored consulting services for conservation and resource management.
ODSI is a dataset that catalogs 96 global and regional ocean data science initiatives. The dataset compiles information on projects that use big data and innovative data sources to improve the understanding and management of ocean systems. The resource is intended to support research and policy efforts related to fisheries extraction, biodiversity conservation, and advancing basic ocean science.
You will gain access to:
Access to a comprehensive dataset of 96 ODSIs with metadata on their organizational structure, data practices, and governance frameworks.
A global perspective on initiatives addressing fisheries, biodiversity, and basic ocean science.
A valuable reference for research, policy development, and education in ocean data science and governance.
This web-based mapping tool provides a comprehensive overview of the marine observing capacities and marine data infrastructures in the Black Sea region. It highlights the network of marine data aggregators collecting physical, chemical, and biological data, as well as marine research infrastructures that currently host or are developing observing capabilities.
The tool includes both operational (near real-time) and historical observations, enabling users to navigate the diverse ecosystem of data sources and observation platforms in the Black Sea. It serves as a gateway for marine observing communities and related stakeholders to access relevant information and links, fostering collaboration and improved understanding of regional marine dynamics.
The European Multidisciplinary Seafloor and Water Column Observatory (EMSO) is a pan-European, distributed research infrastructure dedicated to exploring, monitoring, and understanding oceanic phenomena and their profound impact on Earth.
EMSO operates 14 observatories and test sites across European seas and integrates diverse scientific partners and institutions, providing access to an advanced infrastructure that includes data collection, instrumentation, computing, and storage resources. The infrastructure supports research across biology, geology, chemistry, physics, engineering, and computer science, contributing valuable insights from polar to tropical regions and down to the ocean floor.
n InfoHub is a digital ecosystem that aims to improve global access to ocean data and knowledge by linking existing and emerging ocean data systems. Ocean InfoHub fosters sustainability, interoperability, and inclusivity for all ocean stakeholders by making diverse datasets, research projects, training opportunities, and other resources discoverable and accessible.
With this platform, you will gain:
42,000+ documents containing critical scientific knowledge, research findings, and policy reports.
1,500+ training resources to build your expertise and capacity in ocean science.
49,000+ datasets, ranging from physical oceanography to biodiversity.
113 vessels contributing to marine research and monitoring.
42,000+ spatial search records to locate and analyze data by geographic areas.
Earth System Digital Twins (ESDTs) integrate diverse models, observations, and technologies to enable unified monitoring and decision-making tools. ESDTs consist of three major components: a continuously updated digital replica of Earth systems, forecasting models for real-time predictions, and impact assessment tools for simulating future scenarios. These components rely on machine learning, data assimilation, and high-performance computing to model complex systems like climate change and natural disasters.
NOAA’s NESDIS program is assessing digital twin technology for climate, weather, and ecosystem modeling, including marine environments. Major data sources used in the marine community are provided by NOAA.
JAMSTEC develops Digital Twins of the Ocean to simulate ocean conditions, predict future changes, and assess the impact of environmental measures, collaborating with international research institutes.
Explore its Ocean Steam Library for educational materials and its Databases for catalogs and repositories.
DestinE is a European Commission-led initiative developing high-resolution Earth-system digital twins, including marine components, to assess climate change impacts and extreme weather events.
Gain access to a range of demonstration and operational features from the Destination Earth Service Registry, including data access, processing, and visualization tools, as well as early access to sector-specific services. Advanced features are also available for select groups, such as public authorities, research institutions, and SMEs active in key areas.
ESA's EarthCODE platform offers scientists a collaborative open development environment designed to embed FAIR and Open Science principles into Earth System Science research. Users gain access to tools, expertise, and community resources that support open and transparent scientific workflows. The integrated Open Science Catalogue makes it easy to discover cutting-edge research from ESA Science Clusters and beyond. By connecting users with commercial platform services and facilitating collaboration, EarthCODE empowers researchers to innovate and drive the future of open Earth science.
Unidata provides innovative data services and tools to advance research and education in the geosciences. Funded by the National Science Foundation and part of UCAR, Unidata supports a wide network of institutions with shared goals in data access and visualization. Users benefit from a robust suite of tools, real-time data feeds, and community support tailored to atmospheric, oceanic, and Earth science fields.
The Green Deal Dataspace offers users a secure and standardized environment for sharing and accessing environmental data. It enhances transparency and efficiency, empowering users to make informed decisions and drive sustainability. The platform supports collaboration and reduces data-related risks, and helps especially small and medium-sized enterprises stay competitive in a data-driven economy.
The Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem gives users free, instant access to Earth observation data from the Sentinel missions and beyond. It offers powerful tools for browsing, processing, and exploring data on land, oceans, and the atmosphere. Benefit from an enhanced experience through a user-friendly interface and extended data access options, supporting deeper insights and informed decision-making.
NCEO provides users with advanced Earth observation datasets, tools, and laboratories to support global environmental research and satellite data validation.
Educators also benefit from ready-to-use classroom materials that require no prior EO expertise, making it easier to integrate Earth observation into teaching.
SPA/RAC supports Mediterranean countries by providing tools, data, and expertise to protect marine biodiversity and manage protected areas effectively. Users benefit from access to technical guidelines, biodiversity databases, and collaborative networks that strengthen conservation efforts.
The centre also offers capacity-building and knowledge-sharing opportunities, empowering stakeholders to take informed action for the Mediterranean Sea.
The Ocean Data and Information System (ODIS) connects users to a global ecosystem of shared ocean data, making it easier to discover and access relevant resources from diverse systems. Through its interoperable architecture, ODIS ensures seamless data exchange and fosters collaboration across sectors and regions. Users benefit from improved data discovery, expanded digital capacity, and inclusive participation in shaping a globally connected ocean knowledge network.
DITTO empowers users to build their own digital twins of the ocean, enabling them to explore "what if" scenarios for sustainable ocean development and planning. By integrating marine data, satellite observations, models, AI, and high-performance computing, it offers a powerful framework for analysis and decision-making. Users benefit from a globally shared capacity to access, visualize, and utilize ocean information with advanced tools and best practices.
GEOSS provides users with seamless access to diverse, high-quality Earth observation data through a single portal, enhancing their ability to monitor and understand global environmental changes. Its interoperable system connects thousands of observation networks worldwide, offering reliable tools and up-to-date information for decision-making, planning, and emergency response.
The European Digital Twin of the Ocean integrates past and present data to help users make informed decisions and build trust in future ocean forecasts.
The platform explores what a DTO is, how it works, and showcases related initiatives and projects.
This GitHub repository hosts the development version of the ISO 19157-3 Data Quality Measures Register, including source spreadsheets, configuration files, and automation tools for transforming the register into semantic formats. It supports publishing to the OGC RAINBOW platform, enabling access to linked data and standardized quality measures. The repository also documents workflows and configurations for maintaining and evolving the register.
The Location Innovation Academy offers free courses on data interoperability, standards, and emerging geospatial technologies to support businesses and governments in building connected data ecosystems.
