World Hydrography Day – 21st June

World Hydrography Day is an annual celebration that highlights the importance of hydrography and the work of hydrographers. It was officially recognized and implemented by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and is celebrated on June 21 every year. The theme for this year’s World Hydrography Day is “Hydrography – Underpinning the Digital Twin of the Ocean.”

Hydrography is a branch of applied sciences that deals with the measurement and description of the physical features of water bodies such as oceans, seas, rivers, and lakes. The data collected through hydrography is crucial for various industries, including shipping, fishing, oil and gas exploration, and marine conservation. Hydrographers use sophisticated equipment and techniques to gather data, which is then used to create accurate and up-to-date nautical charts and maps. These charts and maps are essential for safe navigation and the protection of the marine environment.

History of World Hydrography Day

World Hydrography Day was established by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in 2005. The IHO is an intergovernmental organization established in 1921 to provide a mechanism for cooperation among its member states in the field of hydrography and nautical charting.

The date for World Hydrography Day was chosen to coincide with the anniversary of the founding of the IHO on June 21, 1921. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness on the importance of hydrography, which is the science of measuring and describing the physical features of the navigable portion of the Earth’s surface and adjoining coastal areas.

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) welcomed the concept of World Hydrography Day in its Resolution A/RES/60/30 on Oceans and the Law of the Sea. The resolution recognizes the important role that hydrography plays in ensuring safe navigation for ships and other vessels, as well as in the protection of the marine environment.

Since its inception, World Hydrography Day has been celebrated annually on June 21, coinciding with the anniversary of the IHO’s founding. The day is observed by IHO member states and other organizations involved in hydrography, including national hydrographic offices, survey companies, and academic institutions.

In recent years, the theme of World Hydrography Day has focused on highlighting the importance of hydrography in the digital age and the role it plays in supporting the development of a digital twin of the ocean. This theme recognizes the growing importance of digital technologies in hydrographic data collection, analysis, and dissemination, as well as the potential for these technologies to transform our understanding of the world’s oceans and coastal areas.

Significance of Hydrography

Hydrography is a branch of applied sciences that deals with the measurement and description of the physical features of water bodies. It plays a vital role in ensuring safe navigation, maritime environmental conservation, and sustainable development of marine resources. World Hydrography Day is celebrated annually on June 21 to promote awareness about the importance of hydrography.

Hydrography provides crucial information for the development of nautical charts, which are essential for safe navigation. Accurate nautical charts help to prevent accidents and protect human lives, as well as the marine environment. Hydrography also plays a critical role in the development of offshore infrastructure, such as oil and gas platforms, wind farms, and underwater cables.

In addition to its practical applications, hydrography is also essential for scientific research. It provides valuable data on ocean currents, tides, and marine ecosystems, which can help scientists to better understand the complex interactions between the ocean and the atmosphere. This knowledge is crucial for predicting and mitigating the impacts of climate change on the marine environment.

Overall, hydrography is a vital tool for ensuring the safe and sustainable use of the world’s oceans and waterways. World Hydrography Day serves as an important reminder of the importance of this field and the need to continue investing in its development.

Themes and Activities on World Hydrography Day

World Hydrography Day is celebrated annually on June 21 to raise awareness about the importance of hydrography in improving knowledge of the seas and oceans. Each year, a theme is selected to highlight a specific aspect of hydrography. The theme for World Hydrography Day 2023 is “Hydrography – underpinning the digital twin of the ocean.”

On this day, various activities take place around the world to promote the importance of hydrography. Some of the common activities include:

• Conferences and seminars: Hydrographic organizations and institutions organize conferences and seminars to discuss the latest developments and challenges in the field of hydrography.
• Workshops and training sessions: Workshops and training sessions are conducted to provide hands-on training to hydrographers and other professionals in the field.
• Exhibitions and demonstrations: Exhibitions and demonstrations are organized to showcase the latest technologies and equipment used in hydrographic surveys.
• Public awareness campaigns: Public awareness campaigns are conducted to educate the general public about the importance of hydrography in ensuring safe navigation, protecting the marine environment, and supporting the blue economy.

Overall, World Hydrography Day provides an opportunity to recognize the critical role of hydrography in promoting sustainable development of the oceans and seas.

Future Perspectives of Hydrography

Technological Developments

As technology continues to advance, the field of hydrography is expected to see significant improvements. For example, the use of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) is becoming increasingly common in hydrographic surveys. These vehicles are equipped with advanced sensors and can collect data in areas that are difficult for human surveyors to access. In addition, machine learning algorithms can be used to analyze the vast amounts of data collected during hydrographic surveys, helping to identify patterns and anomalies that may be missed by human surveyors.

Another technological development that is expected to have a significant impact on hydrography is the use of satellite imagery. Satellites can provide high-resolution images of the ocean floor, allowing hydrographers to create detailed maps of previously uncharted areas. In addition, satellites can be used to monitor changes in ocean conditions, such as sea level rise and ocean temperature, which can have a significant impact on hydrographic surveys.

Environmental Impact

Hydrography plays a critical role in understanding and managing the impact of human activities on the ocean environment. As climate change continues to have a significant impact on the world’s oceans, hydrographers will need to work closely with environmental scientists to monitor changes in ocean conditions and assess the impact of these changes on marine life.

In addition, hydrographers will need to work closely with policymakers to develop strategies for managing the impact of human activities on the ocean environment. For example, hydrographic surveys can be used to identify areas that are particularly vulnerable to pollution or other environmental hazards, allowing policymakers to take action to protect these areas.

Overall, the future of hydrography looks bright, with new technologies and approaches being developed to improve our understanding of the world’s oceans. As the impact of human activities on the ocean environment continues to grow, hydrographers will play a critical role in monitoring and managing these changes.