uk coastal atlas of recreational boating 2.1: user guide documen… · 1. overview 1.1. what is it?...

UK Coastal Atlas of

Recreational Boating 2.1:

User Guide

© Royal Yachting Association

August 2019

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RYA UK Coastal Atlas of Recreational Boating 2.1

Contents

1. Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 2

1.1. What is it? ................................................................................................................................ 2

1.2. Why do we create it? ............................................................................................................... 2

1.3. Who licenses it? ...................................................................................................................... 2

2. Previous versions (2005 – 2015) .................................................................................................... 2

3. New version (2016 - current)........................................................................................................... 3

3.1. Outline ..................................................................................................................................... 3

3.2. AIS data ................................................................................................................................... 3

3.2.1. Overview ......................................................................................................................... 3 3.2.2. Method ............................................................................................................................ 4 3.2.3. Comparison with previous datasets ................................................................................ 5 3.2.4. Coverage and limitations ................................................................................................. 6

3.3. General boating areas ............................................................................................................. 6

3.3.1. Overview ......................................................................................................................... 6 3.3.2. Method ............................................................................................................................ 7 3.3.3. Comparison with previous datasets ................................................................................ 8

3.4. Clubs and Training Centres .................................................................................................... 9

3.4.1. Clubs ............................................................................................................................... 9 3.4.2. Training Centres .............................................................................................................. 9

3.5. Marinas .................................................................................................................................. 10

3.5.1. Overview ....................................................................................................................... 10 3.5.2. Method .......................................................................................................................... 10 3.5.3. Comparison with previous datasets .............................................................................. 10

4. Dataset Availability and Usage ..................................................................................................... 11

4.1. Formats ................................................................................................................................. 11

4.2. Coordinate System ................................................................................................................ 11

4.3. Attribution .............................................................................................................................. 12

5. Updates ......................................................................................................................................... 12

6. Summary ....................................................................................................................................... 13

7. Acknowledgements ....................................................................................................................... 14

References ............................................................................................................................................ 15

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1. Overview

1.1. What is it?

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) UK Coastal Atlas of Recreational Boating is a GIS dataset of recreational boating activity around the UK, comprising spatial data including indicators of intensity of use, general boating areas, offshore routes, as well as the locations of clubs, training centres and marinas.

1.2. Why do we create it?

It is important that recreational boating activity is given due consideration by the Government when it balances competing interests in commercial, environmental and leisure sectors around the UK coast. This dataset is a powerful tool utilised by the RYA on behalf of its members to help protect areas of importance to recreational boaters, and is taken into account by developers in designing new development proposals and in discussions over navigational safety.

1.3. Who licenses it?

The dataset is licensed by those involved in marine planning, coastal and offshore development, and to improve marine safety. This includes the Government and its agencies (including the Maritime and Coastguard Agency), local authorities and renewable energy developers.

2. Previous versions (2005 – 2015)

The RYA has been collecting recreational boating

information since 2004, to gain a picture of the

areas most utilised for sailing, racing and passage-

making in the UK, and the distribution of clubs and

marinas. The first dataset was released in 2005,

with updates in 2008 and 2012.

The 2012 (Figure 1) dataset comprised:

Cruising routes (polyline data)

General sailing areas (polygon data)

Racing areas (polygon data)

RYA affiliated sailing clubs (point data)

RYA affiliated training centre (point data)

Marinas (point data)

This dataset needed to be overhauled to create a

more visually useable product. This was achieved

using a variety of new data types and methods, as

outlined below.

Figure 1 2012 dataset

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3. New version (2016 - current)

3.1. Outline

The new coastal atlas (Version 2.0, Figure 2) released in 2016, took a different approach to mapping recreational boating use from our previous datasets. A new format of boating behaviour representation was created utilising a ‘heat map’ type approach around the coast, rather than line data for cruising routes.

We focused on Automatic Identification System (AIS) data for the majority of our boating areas coverage, with supplementary inshore data supplied by RYA clubs and other sources. The latest update, in 2019, has enabled a greater range, and resolution. This 2019 dataset comprises:

AIS data (raster)

General boating areas (polygon data)

RYA affiliated clubs (point data)

RYA affiliated training centres (point data)

Marinas (point data)

This dataset gives a clearer picture of recreational

boating activity in the UK, making the data more

visually indicative. Each data type is outlined below

in more detail.

3.2. AIS data

3.2.1. Overview

The new RYA dataset utilises

Automatic Identification System

(AIS) data to indicate the intensity of

boating activity in coastal waters

around the UK. This is to replace the

cruising routes and general sailing

areas in the previous datasets.

Where the earlier version was

limited to within 12 nm of the coast,

the 2019 update in many areas

expands well beyond. The identity,

position, speed and course of any

vessel with an AIS transponder are

continuously transmitted to all other

AIS equipped vessels and shore

stations within range, utilising VHF and GPS technology (Figure 3). Constraints are the same as with

VHF radio (Digital Yacht, 2017). These data provide key safety and navigation benefits, as well as

enabling further analysis of vessel behaviour.

The RYA conducted an AIS use survey of its members in 2014. Of the nearly 1300 respondees, 70%

use AIS, with over half of these AIS users having the function both to receive and to transmit (RYA,

2014). A study by Marine Scotland (2012) indicated that only 17% of the recreational vessels


Figure 3 AIS (International Maritime Organisation, 2016)

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surveyed transmit on AIS, but noted that the number of recreational vessels carrying AIS is

increasing. A later survey (2016) showed a similar percentage to the RYA survey of recreational

boaters utilising AIS, and of these, 26% were transmitting as well as receiving data (Cork Institute of

Technology, 2016).

Class B transponders are often used by recreational vessels, due to lower costs (Digital Yacht, 2017).

Restricted transmission power (2 Watts) to prevent bandwidth overloading reduces the range from

these transponders (Marine Management Organisation, 2014).

3.2.2. Method

For this new RYA dataset, AIS data from recreational vessels are used to determine the density per

unit area of boating in UK coastal waters, to give a picture of the most utilised routes and areas by

leisure boaters.

The AIS data covers the UK coastal region, including the Channel, and the Irish Sea, currently

utilising data from the summers of 2014 and 2017.

Data processing for the 2019 update is in line with the 2016 release processed by Anatec (Anatec,

2014), and included:

1. Collation of AIS data for May to September of 2014 and 2017.

2. Extraction of all recreational vessels identifying themselves as Sailing or Pleasure Craft.

3. Verification of any vessel over 24 m in length using external databases, while those under

24 m were assumed to be recreational.

4. Removal of vessels with a Port Letter Number (PLN), as these were assumed to be fishing

vessels.

5. Removal of vessels with the strings ‘survey’, ‘fish’, ‘wind’, ‘farm’, or ‘prawns’ in their

destinations.

6. Verification with external databases of any vessels with irregular tracks.

7. Use of ArcGIS toolkit to calculate the number of AIS tracks within 0.25 km x 0.25 km cells to

obtain a relative density for each cell, and produce a mean value across the two summers.

Figure 4 UK AIS with a standard scale

Figure 5 UK AIS with a log10 scale

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For this dataset, the total count of AIS intersections over the two summer periods were used. Zero

values were eliminated and then a log10 taken of the relative density counts to give what we are

referring to as the intensity of use. If a regular scale is used, locations such as the Solent, with

significantly higher absolute values than other areas, obscure the details of use in other regions

(Figure 4). Therefore we use a log10 scale to give a clearer visualisation of the areas utilised for

boating (Figure 5). The difference between these two scales can be seen in more detail in Figure 6

(original scale) and Figure 7 (logarithmic scale).

Figure 6 AIS with a standard scale

Figure 7 AIS with a log10 scale

This new dataset is based on tangible passages and accurately portrays the behaviour of recreational

vessels regardless of differing weather conditions, providing a robust picture of UK cruising activity.

3.2.3. Comparison with previous datasets

Figure 8 AIS comparison with previous cruising routes

The AIS heat map approach, indicating a range from light to heavy vessel activity, provides a very

useful data source for those considering recreational boating activity when mapping proposed

offshore developments and areas for conservation. The data improves on our previous datasets,

where vessel activity was indicated by individual lines, as recreational activity no longer appears to be

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confined to distinct routes with no activity in the gaps between lines. Almost full coverage is now

provided.

The new AIS data matches well with previous cruising route data (Figure 8), indicating that this new

dataset provides a fuller picture of recreational boating activity in UK coastal waters while maintaining

the information provided by the previous line datset.

The 2019 update (Figure 9, a) largely corresponds with the 2016 data (Figure 9, b) in terms of general

trends, however its greater resolution offers improved confidence. Although not uniform across the

country, the 2019 data vastly expands the range of the data in some key areas.

Figure 9 AIS comparison between 2019 (a) and 2016 (b)

3.2.4. Coverage and limitations

The AIS data generally provides good coverage of the UK’s coastal waters (10a, b). There are

however some data gaps, particularly in estuaries (10c, d).

It is assumed that areas close inshore and in many estuaries are frequented by vessels that are

small, and may not carry AIS transponders. Vessels under 10 m are less likely to carry AIS equipment

than those over 10 m (Marine Scotland, 2012). The dataset is limited in that it only represents vessels

that carry AIS transponders, which may exclude a large proportion of recreational craft. Marine

Scotland (2012) note in their survey that only one in six vessels transmit AIS information. In areas

where there is no AIS data coverage, we recognise this does not mean no recreational craft visit the

area. For this reason we also provide a further polygon dataset of general boating areas, described

below, to complement the AIS data.

3.3. General boating areas

3.3.1. Overview

To provide a more complete picture of recreational boating activity in UK waters, a layer of indicative

general boating areas has been included in this dataset. These polygons utilise information from clubs

and other sources, as well as racing information from our previous dataset. These data aim to reduce

gaps in data coverage where AIS data are limited, and provide more detail of activity in inshore and

estuarine regions in particular.

a A b

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Figure 10 AIS coverage examples

3.3.2. Method

In 2015, relevant charts were sent out to all RYA clubs in the UK, asking them to provide spatial

information as to their boating activity. Data gained included racing and training areas. Of the 604

clubs asked, responses were received from 201 groups. The charts were georeferenced using control

points from each corner and the club information digitised by Fugro EMU Ltd, then clipped to the

coastline (Figure 11).

Racing and training areas provided by clubs during the survey were then amalgamated with racing

areas from previous datasets and all the areas dissolved to create a polygon layer of general boating

areas (Figure 12). The general sailing areas from previous versions of the dataset were excluded as

they are replicated and improved on, by the new AIS data (Figure 13).

Figure 11 Digitised example chart data

Figure 12 Digitised and dissolved chart data

c

d

a A

b A

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Figure 13 AIS data overlain by 2012 general sailing areas

The general sailing area polygons indicated in previous datasets have mostly been superceded by

our more detailed AIS intensity data (Figure 13). The areas identified as general sailing areas in the

2012 datset cover large expanses of the coastline (Figure 14), and give less information than the AIS

data as they indicate no intensity of use. The racing areas from the 2012 datset have been retained

and included in the new dataset as they fill some gaps in dataset (such as where clubs did not

respond to our 2015 survey), and tend to be smaller areas that are regularly utilised. The new general

boating areas (Figure 15) indicate mainly club racing and training activity in smaller patches, adding

detail to the new dataset as a whole.

Figure 14 2012 dataset sailing areas

Figure 15 2016 dataset boating areas

The combination of the AIS and general boating areas data gives good coverage of most of the UK

coastal waters, and the new general boating areas often provide information in areas of sparse AIS

data (Error! Reference source not found.), although some data gaps do still exist. Together they

give a clear visual spatial representation of recreational boating activity around the UK coast.

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Figure 16. AIS and general boating areas around a) NW England, and b) E Scotland

3.4. Clubs and Training Centres

All RYA clubs (Figure 17) and training centres (Figure 18) located in the UK are included in this dataset, correct as of August 2018. The information comes from our constantly evolving database. Those with no location have been given geographic coordinates if possible. Aside from obvious errors, individual Clubs and Training Centre locations have not been quality controlled for accuracy in this dataset update, as Quality Assessment is carried out centrally by the RYA.

3.4.1. Clubs

RYA clubs are membership organisations affiliated to the Royal Yachting Association. Each tends to

specialise in certain types of activity (for example dinghy racing, sail cruising, power-boating), but all

are normally open to passing visitors. The facilities provided usually include both alongside berths and

swinging moorings but shore facilities are not normally expected to be to commercial standards.

Activity takes place throughout the year, and is expected to peak in summer.

3.4.2. Training Centres

RYA Training Centres are teaching institutions that provide practical and theoretical training in sailing

and power boating to recognised Royal Yachting Association standards. Those located on the coast

will often have marina-type boat berths attached, and may be in use throughout the year.

b A

a A

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Figure 17 RYA Clubs

Figure 18 RYA Training Centres

3.5. Marinas

3.5.1. Overview

The marinas dataset encompasses marinas in coastal and inland waterway locations, as well as

some harbours and port authorities. Many are commercial marinas with space for both long-term

berth-holders and visitors, and have a range of facilities. In some areas including the North and West

of Scotland and the islands, marinas tend to be smaller with fewer berths and facilities, or are simply

wharfs that give shelter or a place to moor for visiting yachts, but are nevertheless important ports of

call and destinations.

3.5.2. Method

The marinas point dataset is compiled from sources including marinas from previous RYA datasets,

those supplied by British Marine, information from almanacs, and evidence from marina websites.

Locations have then been visually checked and updated against satellite imagery.


This part of the dataset has been completely overhauled with an increase from 346 marinas in the

2012 edition to 664 marinas in the 2019 dataset. It is a dual purpose dataset created for use in the

coastal atlas and also for the RYA SafeTrx app service (RYA, 2016), and so provides contact details

for the marinas wherever possible, including websites, email addresses, telephone numbers and

monitored VHF channels.

As well as being a much more comprehensive dataset, locations have been much improved (see

Figure 19 and Figure 20), giving a clearer picture of marina provision across the UK.

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Figure 19 UK marinas 2012 (red) and 2019 (blue)

Figure 20 Poole marinas 2012 (red) and 2019 (blue)

4. Dataset Availability and Usage

The new RYA UK coastal atlas of recreational boating is available under licence from the Royal

Yachting Association. It is licensed annually as a UK-wide dataset, and is provided digitally.

4.1. Formats

The data are available as a file geodatabase format, as part of a layer package to utilise the same

symbology as the RYA. This User Guide is also contained within the layer package. Further formats

may be available on request. Metadata is provided in line with the INSPIRE profile of ISO 019115.

4.2. Coordinate System

The UK coastal atlas of recreational boating is in WGS84 geographic coordinate system (EPSG 4326)

with all coordinates in latitude and longitude.

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4.3. Attribution

Figure 21 Example with legend

The RYA GIS Data Licence Agreement governs the use of this dataset. As per Clause 4.4 of the

Licence Agreement, this supplementary document provides details of how the data should be

attributed and displayed on maps. When reproducing the Copyright Material, the RYA must be

acknowledged as the source of the data in all Reproduced Material, including where a third party is

engaged to assist in the creation of the Reproduced Material. The data must always be attributed on

the map/figure in which they appear as follows:

© Data reproduced under licence from the Royal Yachting Association.

The AIS data should be labelled as “AIS intensity” and given a scale from low to high, such as in the

example in Figure 21. The other data supplied should be labelled as “General Boating Area”, “RYA

Club”, “RYA Training Centre”, and “Marina” as appropriate. Please note, the marinas are not RYA

marinas, so should not be labelled as such.

In accompanying text, the dataset should be referred to as the “RYA UK Coastal Atlas of Recreational

Boating” or “RYA recreational boating dataset”.

5. Updates

In the future this dataset is aimed to be updated annually, with further AIS data adding to the picture

of the intensity of use of UK waters. It is thought that the number of recreational boaters utilising AIS

is increasing (Marine Scotland, 2012), which would enable more accurate portrayal of boating

behaviour when further AIS analysis is undertaken.

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The annual update will also include our most current marina dataset, and the latest version of clubs

and training centres from our database. The latest dataset will be provided when licences are issued.

Dataset updates will be provided when licences are renewed.

6. Summary



The new 2019 RYA UK coastal atlas of recreational boating gives a visually clearer indication of

boating activity than previous datasets (Figure 22 and Figure 23), particularly when considered on a

regional rather than UK scale (Figure 24 and Figure 25).

Figure 24 Southwest detail of 2012 dataset

Figure 25 Southwest detail of 2016 dataset

In summary the new RYA dataset includes:

AIS data (raster) – general intensity of recreational boating in UK coastal waters

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General boating areas (polygons) – club racing and training areas

RYA affiliated clubs (points)

RYA affiliated training centres (points)

Marinas (points)

The dataset takes a new approach to visualising data on recreational boating activity, whilst aiming

not to dilute or lose any of the information previously available. In particular, the heat map approach,

indicating a range from light to heavy vessel activity, gives a clear spatially visual indication of key

areas of recreational boating in UK coastal waters.

7. Acknowledgements

Development of this dataset has been the result of contributions from numerous individuals and

organisations. The information is based on the expertise of individuals and their knowledge of boating

activity around the UK. It is part of ongoing work in creating a comprehensive set of data layers about

recreational boating and which will continue to be developed in the future. The RYA is pleased to

have been able to collate this information and present it for use in coastal and offshore planning and

management.

The primary data comes from the RYA, RYA affiliated clubs and associations, RYA recognised

training centres, and the RYA’s specialist committees over a number of years. Secondary sources

included all relevant nautical almanacs, regional pilot books, sailing guides and similar publications,

and data collated by other organisations including British Marine.

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References

Anatec. (2014). Royal Yachting Association UK Recreational AIS Density Map Method Statement.

Anatec Ltd.

Cork Institute of Technology. (2016). The Cool Route Cruising Preferences Survey.

Digital Yacht. (2017, October). AIS Training: AIS Technology in Digital Yacht Products Explained.

Retrieved from Digital Yacht: http://www.digitalyacht.co.uk

International Maritime Organisation. (2016, July). AIS Transponders. Retrieved from International

Maritime Organisation: http://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Safety/Navigation/Pages/AIS.aspx

Marine Management Organisation. (2014). Mapping UK Shipping Density and Routes from AIS.

Marine Scotland. (2012). Shipping Study of the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters.

Ordnance Survey. (2016, May). OS Boundary Line Dataset. Retrieved from Ordnance Survey:

https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/opendatadownload/products.html

RYA. (2014, November 27). Royal Yachting Association AIS survey results. Retrieved from Royal

Yachting Association:

http://www.rya.org.uk/newsevents/news/Pages/RYAAISsurveyresults.aspx

RYA. (2016, August 25). RYA SafeTrx App. Retrieved from Royal Yachting Association:

http://www.rya.org.uk/infoadvice/safetyinfo/Pages/rya-safetrx-app.aspx

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