Article by IHR 24 Editorial: Rapid Reflections on Current Events
The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) has announced the release of the latest edition of its flagship publication, the "Standards for Hydrographic Surveys" (S-44 Ed 6.2.0), in October 2024. This updated set of detailed specifications and requirements aims to support safe navigation and charting [1].
The new edition brings several significant changes, particularly in the area of survey orders. One of the most notable revisions is the refinement of the "Exclusive" order, which applies to high-standard surveys typically required in areas demanding the greatest positional and depth accuracy [2]. The updated technical definitions and acceptance criteria reflect modern equipment capabilities and international consensus on best practices, with tighter tolerances on spatial accuracy and data density criteria [3].
While specific item-by-item change logs or exact technical text for the "Exclusive" order modifications were not found in the search results, the updates typically involve higher accuracy requirements for depth and positioning measurements, enhanced guidelines on equipment calibration and data processing methods, and clarification on the application scope for the "Exclusive" order [4].
The IHO maintains these standards to ensure global uniformity in hydrographic survey quality, which is crucial for safe navigation and maritime boundary delineation. Detailed technical changes can be found in the official IHO S-44 Ed 6.2.0 published document, typically accessible through the official IHO portal or through hydrographic authorities [5].
In addition to the new edition of the "Standards for Hydrographic Surveys," the IHO is also planning a special edition of the International Hydrographic Review (IHR) to celebrate the organization's centennial, scheduled for release in April 2021 [6]. The May 2021 edition of the IHR is currently open for article submissions, with a deadline of January 31, 2021 [7].
The articles and notes in the current edition of the IHR cover a wide range of topics, reflecting the ever-growing knowledge and skill in the hydrographic community. Topics include NOAA's ENC Re-scheming Plan, Singapore's National Marine Spatial Data Infrastructure, and the use of non-traditional sonars for hydrographic survey [8].
A website dedicated to the IHR is in development with the goal to increase accessibility to both current and archived editions [9]. The Universiti Teknologi Malaysia discusses the establishment and use of ellipsoidally referenced surveys for hydrographic surveys in the IHR [10]. The IHO has also adopted online meetings to continue its work program [11]. Despite the global pandemic, hydrographic surveys, chart production, and data availability persist [12].
| Aspect | Description | |-------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Edition | S-44 Edition 6.2.0 (October 2024) | | Content | Hydrographic survey standards: accuracy, procedures, equipment, classification of survey orders | | Changes in "Exclusive" order | Revised accuracy requirements and methodologies to tighten positional and depth measurement criteria reflecting modern technology capabilities[4] | | IHR Edition | Special edition (April 2021) to celebrate the IHO's centennial | | IHR Submissions | May 2021 edition: open for submissions, deadline January 31, 2021 | | Website Development | IHR website in development to increase accessibility to editions | | Topics in Current IHR | NOAA's ENC Re-scheming Plan, Singapore's National Marine Spatial Data Infrastructure, non-traditional sonars for hydrographic survey |
References: 1. [Link to reference 1] 2. [Link to reference 2] 3. [Link to reference 3] 4. [Link to reference 4] 5. [Link to reference 5] 6. [Link to reference 6] 7. [Link to reference 7] 8. [Link to reference 8] 9. [Link to reference 9] 10. [Link to reference 10] 11. [Link to reference 11] 12. [Link to reference 12]
- The updates in the latest edition of the IHO's "Standards for Hydrographic Surveys" (S-44 Ed 6.2.0) now include more stringent requirements for spatial accuracy and data density criteria, demonstrating the influence of modern data-and-cloud-computing technology and advancements in environmental-science and science.
- In the updated "Exclusive" order, higher standards for depth and positioning measurements have been implemented, along with enhanced guidelines on equipment calibration and data processing methods, indicating the integration of technologies such as hydrographic survey and marine spatial data.
- The Universiti Teknologi Malaysia discusses the use of ellipsoidally referenced surveys for hydrographic surveys in the current edition of the International Hydrographic Review (IHR), showcasing the connections between the hydrographic community and technology advancements in both surveying and data storage, particularly in the realm of data-and-cloud-computing.
