Observing the ocean together
Collaborating and coordinating are two very important tasks of EuroGOOS, the European Global Ocean Observing System, located in Brussels. The member organizations work together to share ocean observat...
The role of satellite-based mapping in hydrography
By harnessing capabilities of advanced satellite technology and ever-evolving data analysis, satellite-based mapping (including satellite-derived bathymetry, SDB) offers an efficient, extensible and c...
Fast-tracking the evolution of unmanned maritime systems
In an era of great power competition, unmanned maritime systems (UMSs) have begun to take centre stage and are now on an accelerated development path for reasons that are clear. Like their air and gro...
The impact of topobathymetric technologies in hydrography
In the quest to unravel the mysteries beneath our planet’s water bodies, topobathymetric technologies emerge as a beacon of innovation. Among them, Lidar (light detection and ranging) and sonar sens...
S-44 and the systematic error
IHO standard S-44 is often used (or misused) to specify the quality of a hydrographic survey. While it is a useful tool, it is easy to misinterpret. One ‘misuse’ is to apply the IHO orders directl...
AI set to improve job security in the marine survey sector
In a March 2023 blog, Microsoft founder, billionaire entrepreneur and philanthropist Bill Gates said: “The development of AI is as fundamental as the creation of the microprocessor, the personal com...
The renewal of a research vessel fleet
When contemplating the replacement of a research and survey fleet, a collective effort is required to meticulously curate an optimal new fleet, considering factors such as ship type, size, capabilitie...
Trends and perspectives in the hydrographic sector
How do you perceive prospects in the hydrographic surveying industry in 2024, compared to the past couple of years? When contemplating the hydrographic sector holistically, which areas of investment d...
Remote hydrography and regulation: mission impossible?
The development of unmanned and autonomous surface vehicles in recent years has triggered a new era in civilian and military maritime operations. One of the applications that is likely to benefit from...
Steering shipping towards a sustainable future
Ocean data has a vital but underappreciated role to play as an enabler in shipping’s energy transition. In particular, it can help to unlock the short-term carbon savings that will be essential betw...
Visualizing Korean seabed for marine space and ecosystem management
Various attempts have recently been made to expand the scope of research in the maritime field through the convergence of cutting-edge technologies. One example is the remote classification and predic...
Robotics and deep learning to revolutionize seagrass monitoring
Seagrass meadows play an invaluable role as critical ecosystems that contribute significantly to marine biodiversity, carbon sequestration and coastal protection. In recent years, the importance of th...
On the key role of the hydrographer of tomorrow
Hydro 2023 took place from 7 to 9 November in the beautiful port city of Genoa in Italy. Organizers of this year’s edition of the hydrographic conference were the International Federation of Hydrogr...
Updating archive data with airborne bathymetric technologies
All over the world, surveyors are opting for UAV technologies to advance coastal mapping services. VBW Weight GmbH from Germany and RASA Surveying from the Philippines are professional service provide...