Geological components of new maps will be based on seabed samples and boreholes as well as seismic, sidescan and multibeam data held by both organisations.

The initial phase of the agreement is already operational and will help improve and develop standards for interpretation of data along with defining seabed and coastal zone characterisation. The first maps to be released will cover part of the East Anglian coast out to around 20km and will be based on analysis at 1:50,000 or larger scales. Future progress, say both organisations, will be governed by user demand with its rate being determined by stakeholder support. Data will eventually form part of a proposed National Seabed Survey programme.