Data Standards

(1) For Proponents seeking to demonstrate that the maps contained in the Ocean Management Plan do not accurately characterize the protected resource or use pursuant to 301 CMR 28.04(2)(a)1., the standards in 301 CMR 28.08(1)(a) and (b) apply: (a) Consultation with the Secretary, the Office of Coastal Zone Management, and other Agencies with expertise or authority is advised in order to review any proposed effort to map or otherwise characterize protected resources or uses. (b) Information presented must be based on site-specific investigation or characterization that conforms with contemporary and accepted standards. (2) For proposed updates to or the delineation of new areas of mapped Special, Sensitive and Unique Resources or Concentrations of Water-dependent Uses pursuant to 301 CMR 28.07, the following standards apply: (a) Prior to initiating a proposed investigation or mapping effort, Persons or Agencies shall consult with the Secretary, the Office of Coastal Zone Management and other Agencies with expertise or authority to determine study requirements and data products. (b) Any new or revised data set for Special Sensitive and Unique Resources or Concentrations of Water-dependent Uses should be based on site-specific studies that conform with contemporary and accepted standards, and adhere to other customary principles such as peer review. (c) Any final data product must include acceptable geospatial meta-data, including the identification and description of any data modification or transformation, synthesis, or extraction.