The Coast is defined as the part of the land adjoining or near the ocean. A Coastline is properly a line on a map indicating the disposition of a Coast, but the word is often used to refer to the Coast itself. The adjective Coastal describes something as being on, near to, or associated with a Coast.While many scientific experts might agree on a common definition of the term "Coast", the delineation of the inland extents of a Coast differ according to jurisdiction, with many scientific and government authorities in various countries differing for economic and social policy reasons. This is usually because defining lands as part of a Coast may be seen to have environmental implications which would prevent development or attach regulations to their use.Both the terms Coast and Coastal are often used to describe a geographic location or region. For example, New Zealand's West Coast, or the East and West Coasts of the United States.