About

The Multipurpose Marine Cadastre (MMC) is an integrated marine information system that provides jurisdictional, legal, physical, ecological, and human use data in a common geographic information system (GIS) framework. The MMC was designed specifically to support renewable energy siting on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf but is also being used for various other ocean-related efforts. The MMC has three primary focus areas: Web map viewers and decision-support tools, a spatial data registry, and technical support and regional capacity building.

MMC users can access data through the spatial data registry, view nationally applicable data through the MMC national viewer, or link to regional map viewers via the regional resources section. In addition, custom maps have been created in the Map Gallery section of the site. Users can view and modify maps, as well as add their own map services. Resources in the Support section provide guidance and best practices on the following topics: creating and displaying Web map services, utilizing the Map Gallery functionality, and navigating the MMC national viewer. The In Practice page provides examples of how the MMC products and services are being used in the highlighted regions.

The MMC was created to comply with Section 388 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, but the tool also provides the geospatial framework needed for the broader coastal and marine spatial planning initiative called for in the president's National Ocean Policy.