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View and download GIS data via HELCOM Map and Data Service!

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The role of HELCOM

One of the main roles of HELCOM is to act as a regional environmental focal point providing information about the state of/trends in the marine environment and the efficiency of measures to protect the Baltic Sea. During recent years HELCOM has increasingly been using geographic information systems (GIS) for analysing data and to visualise complex scientific information on both static maps as well as interactive internet based maps.

According to the HELCOM data and information strategy, the HELCOM data and information activities should make it possible to produced assessments of pollution loads and their effects on the Baltic Sea marine environment, facilitate decision making of the Contracting Parties in environmental management, and make environmental information accessible for the general public.

HELCOM map and data service

The HELCOM map and data service allows interested users to access a wide range of data on activities and pollution loads affecting the Baltic Sea marine environment, including also information about monitoring activities and regional preparedness for accident response. Users can view, create and save/print their own maps, download datasets, and create live links to the HELCOM GIS website via HELCOM map and data service.

Other HELCOM maps and databases

COMBINE monitoring data can be downloaded from ICES Oceanographic database. Monitoring data can be visualized and downloaded in the ICES EcoSystemData map service.

Search the HELCOM BSPA Database for a wide range of information on Baltic Sea Protected Areas. The Database currently contains information on 111 sites, of which 90 are notified and designated by the Contracting States as BSPAs.

Seatrack Web is an official HELCOM oil drift forecasting system developed and administrated by

SMHI,DCOO and BSH.

Data on concentrations of radioactive substances in water, sediments, and biota, compiled by the HELCOM Monitoring of radioactive substance project (HELCOM MORS) can be downloaded from the dedicated web page or via International Atomic Energy Agency's Marine Information System.

Download data and metadata produced by the EU funded project BALANCE (Baltic Sea Management – Nature Conservation and Sustainable Development of the Ecosystem through Spatial Planning).

Data on Baltic harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) opportunistic sightings, strandings and bycatches covering HELCOM marine area can be downloaded from the dedicated web page and from HELCOM map and data service (under Ecological features folder).

Some useful links to external databases and GIS services can be found here.

Last updated 18 December 2012