Marzone
The MarZone software has been developed for the purposes of determining the location of user-specified maritime zone boundaries according to the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
MarZone consists of three integrated modules:
- Part 1 ― Maritime zone boundary delimitation
- Part 2 ― Delineation of the extended continental shelf
- Part 3 ― Median line computation
In addition to these three core capabilities, MarZone offers a number of other features.
Download a copy of the complete MarZone Users Guide
MarZone Features
Part 1 ― Maritime zone boundary delimitation
This module of MarZone enables the determination of the outer limits of maritime zone boundaries based on a specified distance from the territorial sea baseline (see Figure 1). Maritime boundaries that MarZone will routinely determine include:
- Coastal waters ― 3M
- Territorial sea ― 12M (UNCLOS Article 3)
- Contiguous zone ― 24M (UNCLOS Article 33)
- Exclusive economic zone ― 200M (UNCLOS Article 57)
- User defined ― Any distance
Figure 1 – MarZone Part 1 used to compute the EEZ for New Zealand
Where applicable, this module of MarZone can also used for the determination of input data for extended continental shelf delimitation (Part 2). In this regard, options include:
- Hedberg formula line ― 60M from the foot of the continental slope (Article 76(4)(a)(ii))
- Depth constraint line ― 100M from the 2500 m isobath (Article 76(5))
- Distance constraint line ― 350M from the territorial sea baseline (Article 76(5))
Part 2 ― Extended continental shelf delimitation
This module of MarZone deals with the determination of the outer limits of the extended continental shelf that, under the provisions of UNCLOS Article 76, may be claimable by a coastal State beyond the limits of the exclusive economic zone (see Figure 2). The legal limits of the extended continental shelf are determined through the input and processing of files containing data that define the outer limits of the EEZ, the formulae lines (Hedberg and 1% sediment thickness) and the constraint lines (distance and depth) in accordance with UNCLOS Articles 57, 76(4) and 76(5) respectively. With the exception of the file containing data defining the location of the 1% sediment thickness formula line as defined in Article 76(4)(a)(i), all files required for the determination of the outer limits are output from MarZone Part 1 in a format ready for direct input to Part 2. This component of MarZone also gives the user options to fit the 60M bridging lines as set out in Article 76(7).
Figure 2 – MarZone Part 2 used to compute the limit of the continental shelf around and Island
Part 3 ― Median line computation
MarZone Part 3 facilitates the delineation of a median line boundary between two coastal States (see Figure 3). A median line boundary is the set of points that are equidistant from both coastlines (i.e. the distances from each median boundary point to the nearest points on the opposing coastal boundaries are identical). In cases where a median boundary involves a third coastal State it is necessary to determine the location of the Tri State Point (i.e. the point that is equidistant from all three coastlines). MarZone includes a tool to compute such points.
Figure 3 – Illustration of median line computation (MarZone Part 3)
In addition to its three core capabilities, MarZone also offers the following features:
- Intuitive graphical user interface
- Extensive on-line and context sensitive help
- Ability to import existing maritime boundary data
- Geodetic rigour applied to all computations
- Fully automated critical point selection
- On-line distance calculation between pairs of user-nominated points
- Computation of the points of intersection between existing boundaries and those generated by MarZone
- GIS translation tool (MFE – MarZone File Exchange) to take data from MapInfo and import it into MarZone and vice versa.
Download the MFE Users Guide - Comprehensive error diagnostics and reporting
Buying MarZone
MarZone is offered as a software product through Curriculum Licensing Services at The University of Melbourne. Various licensing models exist depending upon user requirements.
Users also have the option of taking out an annual maintenance agreement to give access to technical support and software upgrades.
Enquiries about purchasing MarZone, license agreements, maintenance agreements and technical support should be submitted via email/phone address below:
Contact Us
Dr Philip Collier
Department of Geomatics
The University of Melbourne
Victoria Australia 3010
Phone: +61 3 8344 8125
Email: p.collier@unimelb.edu.au