The CoastGIS International Symposium is usually held once every two years under the joint scientific sponsorship of the Commission on Coastal Systems of the International Geographical Union (IGU/CCS) and the Commission on Marine Cartography of the International Cartographic Association (ICA/CMC).

The first International Symposium on GIS and Computer Cartography for Coastal Zone Management, CoastGIS, took place at University College Cork in Ireland in 1995. The second CoastGIS meeting took place in Aberdeen, Scotland, two years later and, since then, CoastGIS symposia have been held in Brest, France in 1999; Halifax, Nova Scotia in 2001; Genoa, Italy in 2003; Aberdeen again in 2005; Sydney and Wollongong, Australia, in 2006; Santander, Spain in 2007; Santa Catarina, Brazil, in 2009; Oostende, Belgium, in 2011; Victoria, on Canada’s West Coast in 2013, and Cape Town, South Africa in 2015. Over the years the CoastGIS events continue to provide a showcase for new developments in information management and technology as well as a learning experience for all involved in coastal zone management, science and research.

CoastGIS 2018 in Ísafjördur, Iceland - hosted by the University Centre of the Westfjords - will be the 13th consecutive symposium for an international exchange of knowledge, ideas and experience on how spatial data and information technologies aid marine and coastal zone managers and stakeholders in better understanding and managing coastal space and resources. A wide range of topics have been covered in previous years covering technological advances and progress, and the evolving challenges.

This year’s theme is Climate Change and Spatial Planning to address recent challenges in managing our coastlines effectively and sustainably.

The International CoastGIS Committee (David R. Green - University of Aberdeen - Chair) will oversee the 2018 Symposium which will be planned by a local organising team in Iceland.