Salutations extended by IHO, IOC of UNESCO, and FIG

Salutations extended by IHO, IOC of UNESCO, and FIG

In the early 20th century, the International Hydrographic Review (IHR) was launched by the International Hydrographic Bureau, marking the beginning of a publication dedicated to the advancement of hydrography and ocean science. Over the past 100 years, the IHR has played a key role in the promotion of and raising awareness of themes, trends, and learnings in hydrography.

The IHR's origins can be traced back to 1968, when the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG) established a Hydrographic Surveying Commission. In 1971, a Working Group was formed by Commission IV (Hydrography) to develop International Standards of Competence within the profession of surveying at sea. This collaboration between FIG and the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) paved the way for the joint FIG/IHO/ICA International Board on Standards of Competence for Hydrographic Surveyors and Nautical Cartographers (IBSC), which was developed.

Throughout its history, the IHR has facilitated international collaboration among hydrographic offices and scientific bodies worldwide. Aligning with the IHO's mission to ensure uniformity in nautical charts and publications critical for safe navigation, the IHR reflects and promotes cooperation on a global scale.

The journal has also been instrumental in disseminating research, technical developments, and best practices in hydrographic surveying techniques, oceanographic research, maritime boundary demarcations, and advances in instrumentation and data processing. By publishing articles, reviews, and case studies, the IHR has contributed to the establishment and circulation of international hydrographic standards, which underpin global marine navigation safety and marine spatial data infrastructure.

Publications like the IHR have been instrumental in recording and promoting scientific advancements in hydrography and ocean science. Systematic hydrographic studies have grown from isolated, regional initiatives to more integrated and technologically sophisticated endeavors, incorporating multidisciplinary research into water exchange processes, ocean circulation, and marine environmental management.

In recent years, the IHR has become a web-based publication, making its two annual issues accessible to all and free of charge. This digital transformation has further expanded the journal's reach and impact.

As the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) unfolds, the partnership between hydrographers and oceanographers is particularly important for achieving the aspirations of the Ocean Decade. Initiatives that elevate and promote the profession, such as attracting new generations and promoting diversity and inclusion, are ongoing focuses for FIG.

The IHR continues to serve as a platform for communicating the state of development in hydrography and for linking practitioners. With a vision "Surveyors serving society for the benefit of people, planet and to work in partnership," FIG remains committed to advancing hydrography and ocean science for the betterment of society.

References: 1. Oceanography and Hydrography: A Historical Overview 2. The International Hydrographic Review 3. FIG - International Federation of Surveyors 4. The Nippon Foundation - GEBCO Seabed 2030 programme 5. UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development

1. The International Hydrographic Review (IHR), a publication dedicated to the advancement of hydrography and ocean science, has contributed significantly to the establishment and circulation of international hydrographic standards.
2. Aligning with the International Hydrographic Organization's (IHO) mission, the IHR promotes global cooperation in hydrographic surveying techniques, oceanographic research, maritime boundary demarcations, and advances in instrumentation and data processing.
3. The IHR has become a web-based publication, leveraging technology to expand its reach and impact, making its issues accessible to all and free of charge.
4. With a vision "Surveyors serving society for the benefit of people, planet and to work in partnership," the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG) remains committed to advancing hydrography and ocean science for the betterment of society.
5. As the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) unfolds, initiatives that elevate and promote the hydrographic profession, such as attracting new generations and promoting diversity and inclusion, are crucial for achieving the aspirations of the Ocean Decade.

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