Development of S-121 for Maritime Limits and Boundaries

Abstract

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) establishes guidelines for management of coastal States’ maritime limits and boundaries information. For consistent deposit of maritime limits and boundaries under the UNCLOS, a standards-based approach is required. This article describes development of this approach through the IHO S-121 standard. Requirements for IHO S-121 are outlined, followed by the data model development methodology. Results outline the data model structure and show how IHO S-121 meets UNCLOS requirements. IHO S-121 represents a significant advancement for consistent management of coastal States’ limits and boundaries data and will help States meet their UNCLOS obligations.