Opinion Piece: IHR Edition 25
In the realm of hydrography, the May 2021 edition of the International Hydrographic Review (IHR) shines a spotlight on the growth of knowledge and skill within the community. This edition, expertly curated by editor Brian Connon, is a testament to the constant drive of today's hydrographers and cartographers to improve the data they provide to customers.
The IHR's pages this month are filled with a variety of articles and notes on wide-ranging topics. One such article is a reprint of the very first IHR article, "HISTORY of the INCEPTION of the I.H.B.," which delves into the establishment of the International Hydrographic Bureau (IHB) in the early 20th century. The IHB, a central body established to coordinate and standardize hydrographic activities internationally, played a pivotal role in setting up an international framework for hydrographic cooperation.
By 1921, the IHB was actively involved in collaborating with member countries to standardize the delineation and naming of nautical regions. One of its key achievements was the publication of "Limits of Oceans and Seas" (IHO Special Publication 23) in 1929, which delineated sea boundaries and standardized names on charts, such as designating the "Japan Sea." This reflects the Bureau’s role by that period in providing internationally recognized hydrographic guidance to support safe navigation and international maritime consistency.
The IHB's 100th anniversary is being celebrated this year, and the IHR edition also marks significant milestones for other hydrographic institutions. The Portuguese Hydrographic Institute, for instance, is celebrating its 60th anniversary.
The IHR's pages also feature a note written by Dr. Geneviève Béchard, the new Chair of the IHO Council, who provides insights into her vision for the organisation. Rear Admiral Shephard Smith, the outgoing Chair of the IHO Council, offers a firsthand account of the Council's first 3 years in a separate note.
Another note discusses the use of uncrewed surface vessels in Canada for cold climate surveys, showcasing the innovative approaches being adopted in hydrography. The edition also includes three obituaries, honouring the lives and contributions of Sean Hinds of the Canadian Hydrographic Service, Etienne Cailliau of the French Hydrographic Office, and Rick Brennan, the United States' National Hydrographer.
As we celebrate these milestones, it's clear that it's a great time to be a hydrographer. The IHR continues to be a beacon of knowledge and collaboration in the hydrographic community, and we eagerly await the submissions for the November 2021 edition, with a deadline set for July 31, 2021.
- The growth of ocean mapping and hydrographic survey in the hydrographic community is evident, as shown by the wide-ranging topics discussed in the International Hydrographic Review (IHR), including a focus on space-and-astronomy, as seen in the use of uncrewed surface vessels for cold climate surveys.
- Given the constant drive to improve data provided to customers, science, health-and-wellness, and fitness-and-exercise sectors may find value in the data and guidelines produced by hydrographers and cartographers, enhancing the safety of navigation and promoting international maritime consistency.
- As the International Hydrographic Review (IHR) continues to serve as a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration within the hydrographic community, potential collaborative efforts may arise that could further advance the IHB's mission and influence, expanding its role beyond traditional nautical boundaries.
