Hydrography and defence have had a peculiar relationship over the centuries. On the one hand, the possession of good nautical charts and other information gave predominance over the enemy and information (and expertise) was therefore considered to be of national security relevance. On the other hand, appreciation for the expertise and work had (and still has) to be deserved (quite right, I think), especially when it came to allocating budgets. See, for example, the ‘welcome’ of the survey vessel Lightning in the Baltic campaign by the British in the early 19th century: “What is the use of a surveying ship, unless to make a fire-vessel of!” (see The Admiralty Chart by RADM Steve Ritchie, p. 298, 8 1). Luckily for the British, the Lightning turned out to be a decisive factor; a classic example of the importance of good hydrographic-quality information. Modern warfare needs a good overview of the geographic/meteorological and oceanographic environment. Required data are either not available or are very fragmented from all kind of sources. To gain information, data are collected, combined and analysed. Actual covert collection of field data requires R&D in remote sensing, while combining and analysing requires leading-edge GIS technology.

The informative article ‘Sea Levels and the Coast: Does Rising Sea Level Matter?” in this issue of Hydrointernationalhighlights the consequences – issues which involve many sectors of the hydrographic and dredging industry. For example, not only with regards to building or maintaining flood defences, but also with regards to enhanced attention for sea-level observations and monitoring vertical datums. The latter tasks are assigned to the National Hydrographic Offices in many countries.

With great pleasure, I would like to introduce two new members to our Editorial Advisory Board: Dr Shoichi Oshima from Japan and rear admiral USN Timothy McGee from the USA. Dr Shoichi Oshima joined the Hydrographic Department of Japan in 1964 and has been engaged in hydrographic and geophysical surveys. During his service, he volunteered in worldwide hydrographic survey training and electronic chart development as an IHO committee member. He was Chief Hydrographer of Japan from 1996 to 1999. Currently, he works for a survey company in Japan as a director, focused on seismic reflection and refraction investigation of the continental shelf. Rear Admiral USN Timothy McGee graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1978. He graduated in 1986 with a Master’s degree in Meteorology and Oceanography and advanced international certification in hydrographic science. He has held many posts and commands in the US Navy, mostly in the oceanographic community; for example, commanding the Naval Oceanographic Office and as assistant chief of Naval Research. He assumed command of the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command in July 2004, and he is Hydrographer of the US Navy.