De Hauwere, N.

Deneudt, K.

Dewitte, E.

Goffin, A

Hernandez, F.

Mees, J.

Waumans, F.

Open Marine Archive

Scheldemonitor, the online data- and information system on research 
and monitoring of the Scheldt Estuary 
Goffin Annelies, Klaas Deneudt, Filip Waumans, Elien de Witte, Nathalie De Hauwere,  
Francisco Hernandez and Jan Mees 
Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ), InnovOcean site, Wandelaarkaai 7, B-8400 Oostende, Belgium 
E-mail: annelies.goffin@vliz.be  
The Scheldt Estuary has been and still is the object of study in numerous fundamental and applied 
scientific studies. It is a unique tidal ecosystem that provides a lot of services to economy, society 
and nature. In the framework of the common Flemish-Dutch long-term vision of the Scheldt Estuary, 
a portal was set up to centralise information, data and data products. Since 2004 the VLIZ has been 
assigned the task to set up this portal by the Flemish and Dutch government. Since 2011 the 
governments are represented by the Flemish-Dutch Scheldt Commission (VNSC) as sponsor of the 
ScheldeMonitor that now will act as a supporting system on the T2009 evaluation of the Scheldt 
Estuary. 
 
ScheldeMonitor is an online accessible data- and information system for research and monitoring 
regarding the Scheldt Estuary. The database consists of a considerable amount of information that 
is gradually increasing. Five modules were set up to identify the main players (Persons, Institutes), 
research activities (Projects/Datasets) and literature (Publications). For each of the modules, a 
thematic and advanced search facility ensures an efficient retrieval of the required information. 
 
In search for measurements? Through the ScheldeMonitor data portal you have access to data from 
different sources and research activities. You can download publicly available datasets or make a 
more refined selection on time, place and data provider. An easy to use interface will guide you 
through your request. Data is visualised on a map to support your search. The data portal is set up 
to centralise data. Data is stored if they are not easily accessible. But where existing online data 
systems and data transfer systems are adequately developed, it is sufficient redirecting to these 
systems. 
 
The ScheldeMonitor hosts a set of 18 indicators. They largely fit into the three main themes on 
safety, naturalness and accessibility and could easily be embedded in the structure of 
ScheldeMonitor. Indicators are increasingly used as a tool for reconnaissance, planning, 
implementation and evaluation of policies. They are very useful as a link between policy and 
research. 
 
This portal is available at http://www.scheldemonitor.org; http://www.scheldemonitor.be; 
http://www.scheldemonitor.nl. 
 
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Scheldemonitor, the online data- and information system on research and monitoring of the Scheldt Estuary

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