This issue’s theme is ‘Special Surveys’. It was chosen to draw attention to surveys that may deviate from normal, routine surveys. In the daily working practice however, classifying a survey as either normal or routine bears the risk of being less attentive to certain aspects that may influence the accuracy of the survey results. We should, at all times, be aware that the data collected during a survey becomes the basis for all the products that are later produced. This includes a nautical chart or compilations of data on which a cable route trajectory is judged. Given the increasing use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS-environment) we need to keep in mind that data collected for one purpose may be used for other applications or services as well.
Another point that warrants increased attention is the advanced means we have available to process and present our survey results.
In the ‘old days’ we had an indirect link to the quality of the process from survey to the end result. The end product (e.g., a fair sheet or a compiled chart) was judged in terms of how neat or complete the information was presented. Today, with all the sophisticated software products used to present the survey results, we are missing this indirect indicator. Similar to an animated presentation supported by PC, where ‘slick’ presentations can show spelling mistakes, incomplete or poor survey data can be presented in a ‘slick manner’ thanks to a sophisticated software product.
We congratulate the three new members of the Directing Committee of the IHO. Starting from September 2002 the new President will be Alexandros Maratos (Rear-Admiral, Hellenic Navy). The two other elected directors are Kenneth Barbor (Rear-Admiral, United States Navy (ret.)) and Hugo Gorziglia (Captain Chilean Navy (ret.)). Their election to this demanding post is occurring during a time of impending change and a new strategic direction for the Organisation.
We also congratulate Adam Greenland who started at the XXII FIG International Congress as Chairman of FIG-Commission 4 (Hydrography).
See also the ‘We Visited for You’ contributions on the XVIth IHO-conference in Monaco and the XXIInd FIG International Congress in Washington.
There have also been some changes within the Hydro international team. The newly appointed Hydrographer of Japan: Dr. Hideo Nishida (Director General of the Hydrographic and Oceanographic Department of Japan Coast Guard) is a new member to our Editorial Advisory Board (EAB).
Dr. Soichi Oshima, former Hydrographer of Japan, who was a member of the EAB from the beginning, is leaving our EAB. We are very grateful for all the work he did for Hydro international. Fortunately, he is not leaving our team permanently as he kindly accepted our invitation to be our Regional Correspondent in the Japan-region. See also the interview with Dr. Oshima in this issue.