Opinion Piece by IHR: Issue 15
In the latest edition of the journal, Editor Ian W. Halls presents a collection of articles and a note that delve into the cutting-edge developments in the field of hydrographic data management. This edition, devoid of advertisements, is a testament to the Editorial Board's commitment to providing insightful and informative content.
The first article, penned by Italian authors, offers a case study on the long-term monitoring of seafloor hazards. The study underscores the importance of managing hydrographic data of varying quality over extended periods, a challenge that is becoming increasingly pertinent in the maritime industry.
The second article is a comprehensive work on error budgets for surface and underwater survey systems, hailing from France. It provides a detailed analysis of the techniques and tools used to ensure the accuracy of survey data, a critical aspect of hydrographic work.
The Chilean Navy Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service (SHOA) has contributed a note about acquiring a new fast survey launch for shallow water surveys and inshore search and rescue missions. This addition to their fleet signifies the SHOA's commitment to maintaining robust hydrographic capabilities in the face of evolving maritime needs.
The third article, reproduced with permission, discusses practical issues in hydrographic survey and nautical cartography training, particularly in the SW Pacific region. It offers valuable insights into the challenges and solutions for training the next generation of hydrographers and cartographers.
The current international standards and tools for handling hydrographic data focus primarily on the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) framework, particularly the S-100 family of standards, which includes the latest S-101 electronic navigational chart (ENC) standard. These standards facilitate the integration, management, and use of diverse hydrographic datasets with improved data models and portrayal capabilities to cope with data quality variability over time.
Key points include the adoption of the S-101 standard, which offers enhanced precision, richer metadata, better portrayal, and improved interoperability for digital navigation systems. Global efforts like Seabed 2030, supported by international hydrographic bodies and over 185 contributors, aim to map the ocean floor comprehensively while managing varying data quality accumulated over decades. Draft IHO publications include guidance for converting legacy S-57 ENCs to the new S-101 format, supporting the transition and integration of older, variable-quality datasets into contemporary standards.
International hydrographic offices, such as the UK Hydrographic Office, actively participate in advancing standards and promoting training, innovation, and partnerships to strengthen global hydrographic capabilities. The study highlights the importance of international organizations like IHO, IMO, and IALA in setting standards for navigation safety.
In summary, this edition of the journal showcases the latest advancements in hydrographic data management, with a focus on the IHO's S-100 framework, international cooperation through initiatives like Seabed 2030, and guidelines for conversion and quality management. The authors, my colleagues who provided peer reviews for the articles in this edition, hope this edition is of interest to readers.
- The latest article, penned by the authors from France, delves into the analysis of error budgets for surface and underwater survey systems, focusing on the techniques and tools used in ensuring the accuracy and safety of navigation.
- The Chilean Navy Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service (SHOA) emphasizes the significance of technology in their commitment to maintain hydrographic capabilities, as they acquire a new fast survey launch for shallow water surveys and inshore search and rescue missions.
- With the adoption of the S-101 standard, the authors argue for enhanced precision, richer metadata, better portrayal, and improved interoperability for digital navigation systems, advocating for global efforts like Seabed 2030, a comprehensive mapping of the ocean floor.
- The study underscores the importance of international organizations like IHO, IMO, and IALA, emphasizing their role in setting standards for navigation safety, data-and-cloud-computing, and promoting sustainable environmental-science through the field of space-and-astronomy.
