Key facts
- The European Digital Twin Ocean (EDITO) is a virtual replica of the ocean built using AI and satellite technology.
- EDITO allows users to explore ocean data, including temperature, currents, and biological information.
- AI enables EDITO to simulate 'what if' scenarios, such as the impact of temperature changes on fish populations.
- An AI chatbot is available on the EDITO platform to answer user questions about the ocean.
- The project primarily uses data from European satellites, notably the Copernicus program.
- EDITO is a European Union initiative led by Mercator Ocean International and the Flanders Marine Institute.
The European Digital Twin Ocean (EDITO) is a virtual replica of the ocean, developed using artificial intelligence and satellite technology to aid scientists and policymakers in monitoring marine environments. Launched as a European Union initiative led by Mercator Ocean International and the Flanders Marine Institute, EDITO provides high-resolution data on ocean conditions, including waves, currents, temperature, salinity, and marine biology.
EDITO's capabilities include allowing users to explore 'what if' scenarios, such as assessing the impact of rising sea temperatures on fish populations or the effectiveness of seagrass in reducing erosion. This functionality is powered by AI-based models that can alter initial ocean conditions. Additionally, the platform features an AI chatbot to answer user queries about the ocean, with discussions underway to potentially collaborate with major AI companies to broaden its reach.
The project heavily relies on data from European Earth observation satellites, particularly through the Copernicus program, supplemented by in-situ information from global vessels. While currently accessible to scientists and policymakers, EDITO is slated to become fully operational by 2030 and is being integrated with the European Maritime Security Agency to enhance maritime security alongside ocean knowledge.