Why Hydrography Matters: World Hydrography Day 2023
What is World Hydrography Day?
• World Hydrography Day is celebrated every year on June 21 to raise awareness of the importance of hydrography and the work of hydrographers.
• The day was proposed by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and approved by the United Nations in 2005.
• Hydrography studies the measurements and description of features in and under water bodies like oceans, seas, lakes, and rivers. This information is vital for safe navigation, resource use, and environmental protection.
Why is Hydrography Important?
Hydrography provides crucial data that:
• Makes navigation safer – By locating hazards and obstacles
• Supports environmental protection – By monitoring marine habitats and pollution
• Enables resource use and management – Like fishing and mineral extraction
• Aids coastal development – Through mapping coastal features
• Supports defense and security – By charting territorial waters
• Promotes scientific research – By surveying ecosystems and key species
How is Hydrography Done?
• Use echo sounders and sonars on ships and boats to map depths and the seafloor
• Fly aircraft equipped with lasers to survey coastlines, map shorelines, and monitor tides
• Obtain data from satellite images to track tides, currents, and changes over time
• Update nautical charts with newly gathered data to ensure accurate, up-to-date maps
Theme and Activities
Each year IHO selects a theme to focus the celebrations. Activities can include:
• Conferences • Public events
• Seminars • Demonstrations
• Workshops • Promotional materials
• Lectures • Social media posts highlighting hydrography
Messages
On World Hydrography Day, we can:
• Acknowledge the crucial work of hydrographers
• Raise awareness of the importance of hydrography for marine conservation and sustainability
• Inspire young people to pursue careers in ocean sciences and STEM fields
The key message is that by improving our understanding of the world’s oceans through hydrography, we can better protect and sustainably utilize marine ecosystemsin a sustainable way.
Image Source: https://youtu.be/oq3J3mjSYVE
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We’ve created this content for informational purposes only, and it reflects the views of its respective authors/entities (freelancers/interns) and not those of Winspire Magazine. Winspire Magazine does not endorse or vouch for the accuracy of the information provided in this content. It is the reader’s responsibility to verify and ensure the information is correct and up-to-date. Winspire Magazine disclaims any liability or responsibility for any damages or losses from using this content. Therefore, readers should take all necessary steps to verify the accuracy and reliability of any information presented in this content.
