Not Always Out With the Old01/01/2007 |
| In the world of hydrography and related activities we have grown accustomed to seeing major advances in technology. However, even though most of us enthusiastically embrace new technologies we cannot abandon all of the old for the new. |
| Robert Ward, Deputy Hydrographer of Australia, Australian Hydrographic Service, Australia |
| As chair of IHO CHRIS, the committee charged with co-ordinating many IHO technical standards and specifications, I know that the committee is sometimes accused of being both slow to react and of not keeping up with the times. We are trying to change this. However, it is important not to rush into new technology and standards without carefully considering what are the implications. Whether it is new forms of data or new products created from that data, we must be wary of moving forward in ways that adversely affect all that went before. Wherever possible the IHO, and the CHRIS in particular, must strive to maintain some level of backwards compatibility and consistency with standards that affect data. The IHO and CHRIS nevertheless need to move forward to improve these standards and to support emerging technologies. Many stakeholders in hydrographic data and services demand and expect this. But these views have be balanced against those of other stakeholders who do not want to see current systems made obsolete or to be required to commit themselves to new expenditure in order to keep up to date. Current examples of IHO work attempting to satisfy these conflicting positions include the ongoing development of S-100, the IHO Geospatial Standard for Hydrographic Data, additions to the ECDIS data specifications, work on Digital Nautical Publications, and a revised edition of S-44, Standards for Hydrographic Surveys. Over the last few years the CHRIS and other IHO technical bodies have actively sought the participation and input of stakeholder groups to ensure that as many different points of view as possible are identified. The aim is to reach practical solutions that work for the majority. Stakeholder participation was very successfully demonstrated at the 2005 CHRIS meeting, and at the recent ECDIS Stakeholder Forum that took place during the WEND Committee meeting. Stakeholder representatives provided key input that offers promise for solving several seemingly intractable problems. There is also stakeholder involvement at CHRIS Working Group level, where some very helpful ‘industry’ input is being provided. In my view, stakeholder involvement in the work of the IHO presents valuable opportunities for participants as well as the IHO. Not only do you ensure that your point of view is recognised in advancement of standards, but there is the opportunity to present technical groups with the latest developments in technology; it could well be that an ‘industry’ solution already exists for an item of IHO work. Why reinvent the wheel So my message is this: if you are affected by changes to hydrographic standards, specifications or the associated technologies, come forward to the IHO through the stakeholder groups to ensure that your point of view is known. And if you have a good solution bring that along too. A successful new year to you all. Robert Ward, Deputy Hydrographer of Australia, Australian Hydrographic Service, Australia |
|
| Archive |
| Archive > January 2007, Volume 11, number 1 > Not Always Out With the Old |
|
