World Hydrography Day, 21 June, was adopted by the

International Hydrographic Organization The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) (French: ''Organisation Hydrographique Internationale'') is an intergovernmental organization representing hydrography. the IHO comprised 102 member states. A principal aim of the IHO is to ...

as an annual celebration to publicise the work of hydrographers and the importance of

hydrography Hydrography is the branch of applied sciences which deals with the measurement and description of the physical features of oceans, seas, coastal areas, lakes and rivers, as well as with the prediction of their change over time, for the primary ...

Origins

The International Hydrographic Bureau was established in 1921 for the purpose of providing a mechanism for consultation between governments on such matters as technical standards, safe navigation and the protection of the marine environment. In 1970 the name was changed to the

(IHO). The IHO is actively engaged in developing standards and interoperability, particularly in relation to the challenges brought about by digital technologies. In 2005 the IHO adopted the concept of a World Hydrography Day, which was "welcomed" by the

United Nations General Assembly The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA or GA; , AGNU or AG) is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations (UN), serving as its main deliberative, policymaking, and representative organ. Currently in its Seventy-ninth session of th ...

in Resolution A/RES/60/30 ''Oceans and the law of the sea''. The date chosen for World Hydrography Day is the anniversary of the founding of the International Hydrographic Organization.

Purpose

World Hydrography Day was adopted, in the words of the UN, with the aim of: Translation of this aim through World Hydrography Day is achieved by the nomination of a theme for each year's celebration. Once a theme is agreed, the IHO Member States, international and national hydrographic organisations and services develop activity programs and events that highlight the annual theme.

Commemoration

A theme for each World Hydrography Day is determined by the Member States of the International Hydrographic Organization and is intended to promote the importance of hydrography internationally, multilateral cooperation and effective collaboration in data exchange, charting and standards development. The theme for 2022 is: ''"Hydrography - contributing to the United Nations Ocean Decade"'' Previous themes were: *2022: Hydrography - contributing to the United Nations Ocean Decade *2021: 100 years of international cooperation in hydrography *2020: Hydrography enabling autonomous technologies *2019: Hydrographic information driving marine knowledge *2018:

Bathymetry Bathymetry (; ) is the study of underwater depth of ocean floors ('' seabed topography''), river floors, or lake floors. In other words, bathymetry is the underwater equivalent to hypsometry or topography. The first recorded evidence of wate ...

- the foundation for sustainable seas, oceans and waterways *2017: Mapping our seas, oceans and waterways - more important than ever *2016: Hydrography - the key to well-managed seas and waterways *2015: Our seas and waterways - yet to be fully charted and explored *2014: Hydrography - much more than just nautical charts *2013: Hydrography - underpinning the Blue Economy *2012: International Hydrographic Cooperation - supporting safe navigation *2011: Human Resources - The important element to the success of hydrography *2010: Hydrographic Services - the essential element for maritime trade *2009: Hydrography - Protecting the marine environment *2008:

Capacity Building Capacity building (or capacity development, capacity strengthening) is the improvement in an individual's or organization's facility (or capability) "to produce, perform or deploy". The terms capacity building and capacity development have often ...

, a vital tool to assist the IHO in achieving its mission and objectives *2007: Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs); an essential element of safety at sea and efficient maritime operations

Activities

Member states of the IHO, as well as international and national hydrographic organisations and services worldwide, engage in a range of activities on or around 21 June each year to mark World Hydrography Day. These include: *Awards *Conferences *Seminars *Workshops *Lectures *Dinners *Public events *Demonstrations *Promotional material

References

External links

World Hydrography Day
*{{cite video, url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90ICNjcOSGA, title=World Hydrography Day, publisher=NOAA's National Ocean Service, date=21 June 2010, accessdate=5 September 2012 Hydrography Awareness days June observances International Hydrographic Organization