UN Atlas of the Oceans

Expectations run high for a resource created with a $500,000 grant from the UN with partners such as National Geographic, the World Meteorological Organization, and the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). With a simple and elegant design, fast and effective search engine, and clear navigation elements, the surface of the site flows together nicely. Dive in a little deeper, however, and problems begin to float to the top.

As you begin to test the waters, certain problems become immediately noticeable. At the time of this review, nearly six months after the first release of this site, there are...