Mapping the Hidden Landscape Beneath the Water
June 21 is “World Hydrography Day”. Hydrographic charts are the ocean’s version of Google Maps. Instead of roads, they show shipping lanes and help ships navigate safely. Hydrography plays a vital role in navigation, environmental protection, disaster management, and the sustainable use of marine resources. It is one of humanity’s oldest practical sciences. While we know the broad shape of the seafloor from satellite measurements, detailed hydrographic maps are still incomplete in many areas. In the coming years, advances in automation, AI, satellite technologies, and ocean science will make hydrographic surveys faster, cheaper, and more comprehensive. Though the human tendency is to use natural resources, advances in science and technology should also help protect nature and prevent overexploitation. Advances in Hydrography will contribute to that direction.
Hydrographic Charts Are the Ocean’s Version of Google Maps.
Instead of Roads, They Show Shipping Lanes and Help Ships Navigate Safely.Â
Hydrography is the science of measuring and describing oceans, seas, rivers, lakes, and other water bodies. “World Hydrography Day” is observed on June 21. It was established by the “International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO)” and adopted by the UN in 2005. The day was chosen because it marks the IHO’s founding anniversary. The observation aims to increase awareness of hydrography and its benefits, and to highlight the contribution of hydrographic services to maritime safety.
Google Maps shows roads, buildings, terrain, and routes on land. Hydrographic charts are the “Google Maps” of the maritime world. Mariners use Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) displayed on Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS). They show water depths, navigation channels, reefs, wrecks, and other information needed for safe navigation.
Hydrography plays a vital role in navigation, environmental protection, disaster management, and the sustainable use of marine resources. Knowledge of coastal topography and underwater features is crucial for predicting and managing natural disasters such as tsunamis, storm surges, and coastal flooding.
Hydrography is one of humanity’s oldest practical sciences. Long before the term “hydrography” was coined, ancient mariners used the knowledge of water depths, coastlines, currents, and hazards to navigate safely. Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Phoenicia, Greece, India, and China developed methods to record information about waterways and coastal regions. Hydrography advanced significantly during the 15th and 18th centuries. Great explorers like Columbus, Vasco da Gama, and James Cook collected information about coastlines, depths, reefs, and harbours. Their observations led to improved nautical charts and safer navigation.
Historically, the United Kingdom has been the world’s leading hydrographic nation, while today countries such as the US, Japan, Norway, Canada, and India are at the forefront of mapping and understanding the world’s oceans.
We Know More About the Surface of the Moon and About Mars,
than We Do About the Deep-Sea Floor of Our Own Planet.
Robert Ballard
While we know the broad shape of the seafloor from satellite measurements, detailed hydrographic maps are still incomplete in many areas. The vastness of the oceans, with water blocking most electromagnetic signals, makes it difficult to complete the surveys. Many major rivers, reservoirs, harbours, and navigable waterways have been extensively surveyed. As river channels can change after floods, sedimentation alters depths, and hydrographic surveys must be updated regularly.
In the coming years, advances in automation, AI, satellite technologies, and ocean science will make hydrographic surveys faster, cheaper, and more comprehensive. As hydrographic surveys generate enormous amounts of data, AI will help in processing them effectively. Future systems may provide near-real-time information on depths and hazards.
Hydrography is a multidisciplinary field. If you enjoy maps, oceans, technology, exploration, and data science, hydrography offers a unique opportunity to map one of the least-explored parts of our planet—the world beneath the water.
Understanding nature is important. Though the human tendency is to use natural resources, advances in science and technology should also help protect nature and prevent overexploitation. Advances in Hydrography will contribute to that direction.
Toon: Reema
Logs: Sai Baba
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