Editorial by IHR 24
The new edition of the International Hydrographic Review (IHR) is set to be published in May 2021, with submissions due by January 31, 2021. This edition promises a wealth of insightful articles on various topics related to hydrographic surveying and marine spatial data infrastructure.
One of the key highlights of the upcoming edition is the special centennial edition, commemorating the International Hydrographic Organization's (IHO) 100th anniversary. This special edition is scheduled for release in April 2021.
The IHR continues to champion the use of satellite-based earth observation data, a trend that is gaining traction in the hydrographic community. Articles on the increasing importance of satellite data and the growing acceptance of satellite-derived bathymetry as source data for nautical charts are featured in this edition.
The Universiti Teknologi Malaysia contributes an article discussing the establishment and use of ellipsoidally referenced surveys for hydrographic surveys. Another article provides an overview of Singapore's National Marine Spatial Data Infrastructure.
The edition also includes articles about changes to chart schemes and the establishment of spatial data infrastructure. Notably, there are articles about the use of non-traditional sonars for hydrographic survey, including NOAA's Fisheries sonars and a Brazilian Navy Phase-Measuring Bathymetry Sidescan Sonar.
In addition, the work plan and activities of FIG Commission 4 (Hydrography) are presented, offering valuable insights into the future of hydrographic surveying.
The IHR website, currently in development, aims to increase accessibility to both current and archived editions of the journal. This initiative will make the wealth of knowledge contained in the IHR more readily available to a wider audience.
Meanwhile, the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) has published the new edition of S-44 Edition 6.2.0. This update to the standards that define the technical requirements for hydrographic surveys focuses on enhancing specifications for survey accuracy and quality, reflecting the latest advances in survey technologies.
Key changes in this new edition include improved criteria for survey line spacing and sounding density, refined guidance on data acquisition standards, and a stronger emphasis on quality control. The S-44 Ed 6 also incorporates the most recent technology and operational experience, aiming to improve maritime safety and efficiency in hydrographic data collection and charting.
As always, the IHR serves as a vital platform for the exchange of ideas and best practices in the field of hydrography, fostering collaboration and innovation in the pursuit of safe and efficient maritime operations. Stay tuned for the May 2021 edition and the special centennial edition, both promising to be exciting and informative.
- The International Hydrographic Review (IHR) emphasizes the significance of marine spatial data and technology, as evident in articles discussing satellite-derived bathymetry, Ellipsoidally referenced surveys for hydrographic surveys, and the use of non-traditional sonars like NOAA's Fisheries sonars and the Brazilian Navy Phase-Measuring Bathymetry Sidescan Sonar.
- In the realm of education-and-self-development, the IHR provides valuable insights into the latest trends in hydrography through articles, such as the work plan and activities of FIG Commission 4 (Hydrography), as well as the new edition of the International Hydrographic Organization's (IHO) S-44 Edition 6.2.0, which focuses on enhancing survey accuracy and quality by incorporating the most recent technology and operational experience.
