From continental shelf to slope; mapping the oceanic realm introduction

This volume is covering multidisciplinary Research and Development contributions on geology, geophysics, bathymetric and biologic aspects, towards data sampling and acquisition, data analysis and their results, and innovative ways of data access. It also presents the development of processes to map, harmonize and integrate marine data across EEZ boundaries, an impressive example of which is the European EMODnet (European Marine Observation and Data network) initiative. EMODnet assembles scattered and partially hidden marine data into continentally harmonized geospatial data products for public benefit and increasingly within overseas collaboration. The volume also aims to shed light on an evaluation of biological and mineral resources and environmental assessments at continental shelf to slope depths. Western Pacific examples provide excellent case studies for this topic.