About us
The Marine Information and Data Centre (IHM (Informatiehuis Marien)) is a collaborative venture between Rijkswaterstaat Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature and the Ministry of Defence (The Hydrographic Service of the Royal Netherlands Navy). The IHM serves as a platform for finding and sharing data about the North Sea.
Following an exploratory study in 2011, the conclusion was drawn that a marine data and information centre was required. Launched in 2012, the IHM (Informatiehuis Marien) aimed to make available all existing information and data, including research data initially, from the government about the North Sea at a single location to interested parties, government authorities and professionals. The intention was to add information and data, including research data, from third parties.
Website
The IHM website will feature a range of functionalities for making marine information and data, including research data, accessible to everyone. Visitors can make search requests to generate references to locations where the information can be found, either at institutes or in databases. The IHM does not store this information itself, but provides references.
Furthermore, marine data from the central government can be centrally retrieved from this website. A visitor requests specific data, after which various databases will be searched and made accessible through the IHM portal. The data remain at the source so that they can be stored and maintained in their original location, to ensure that the data, including meta data are current and correct.