Opinion Piece from IHR 18
In this edition, we present key updates and collaborative findings primarily focused on standards and specifications for nautical cartography and hydrographic surveys under the evolving S-100 framework. The aim is to enhance navigational safety, data interoperability, and digital transformation.
Refining Hydrographic Surveyor and Cartographer Competency Standards
Edition 3.0.0 of guidelines for hydrographic surveyors and nautical cartographers, published in May 2025, refines competency requirements to ensure higher professional standards and operational effectiveness.
Advancements in S-100-based Product Specifications
The universal hydrographic data model S-100 Edition 5.2.0 (June 2024) and product specifications like S-101 (ENC Product Specification, Ed. 2.0.0, Dec 2024), S-102 (Bathymetric Surface, Ed. 3.0.0), and S-104 (Water Level Information, Ed. 2.0.0) provide enhanced precision and interoperability for digital nautical charting systems, supporting modern navigation requirements.
Emerging Standards for Data Product Interoperability
Documents such as S-98 (Data Product Interoperability in S-100 Navigation Systems, 2022) and newly introduced standards on polygonal demarcations of sea areas (S-158:130, March 2025) improve the robustness and validation checks essential for reliable hydrographic data management.
Research Collaboration Published in IHO-affiliated Journals
A notable study on the Bushehr port, published under IHO auspices in 2025, demonstrates practical survey improvements with findings that can optimize operational costs and enhance maritime safety, reflecting the real-world application and academic rigor of IHO publications.
National Hydrographic Advances Using IHO Standards
For example, Egypt’s release of new S-101 test datasets for Alexandria and Port Said ports exemplifies practical implementation of updated IHO standards to modernize hydrographic services, improve digital navigation, and align with the global S-100 framework.
IHO's 2025 Work Program Highlights
The program emphasizes continuing development and promulgation of uniform global hydrographic standards, with focused elements supporting the foundational nautical cartography framework, S-100 and S-57 frameworks, e-navigation, hydrographic surveying methodologies, and integration of maritime spatial data infrastructure (MSDI).
A Collaborative Effort from the IBSC
The first article is a collaborative effort from the International Board on Standards of Competence for Hydrographic Surveyors and Nautical Cartographers (IBSC).
Appointments within the IHO
The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) has appointed Dr Mathias Jonas as the new Secretary-General (IHO CL52/2017). Abri Kampfer and Mustafa Iptes have also been appointed as Directors of the IHO (IHO CL52/2017).
Articles and Notes from Around the World
This edition also contains articles from China and Japan, addressing data quality issues with collecting and processing bathymetric data, and the use of Airborne Lidar Bathymetry (ALB) in surveys, respectively. Additionally, the Suriname Aids to Navigation Academy (SAA) provides a brief description of their first IALA Aids to Navigation level 1 Manager Course run over May 2017.
The Korea Hydrographic and Oceanographic Agency (KHOA) discusses the delivery of Phase 3 of their Category B Marine Geospatial Information Programme in a note.
Lastly, this edition may contain a paper about the work that the reader has done or is currently engaged in.
Gratitude and Acknowledgements
The authors and peer reviewers are thanked for their contributions to this edition.
Ian W. Halls, Editor of this edition, hopes that it is of interest to the readers. The Academy, accredited to deliver aids to navigation training based on the IALA recommendation E-141, is the only training organization for the North & South America, Latin & Caribbean Region that offers such training. The programme was run by the Capacity Building Fund of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) sponsored by the RoK from 2015 to 2017.
[1] IHO Publications, various editions. [2] International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), 2025. [3] Journal of Hydrography, 2025. [4] Egypt's Ministry of Transport, 2025. [5] International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), 2025 Work Program.
- In collaboration with the International Board on Standards of Competence for Hydrographic Surveyors and Nautical Cartographers (IBSC), a new article discusses the integration of data-and-cloud-computing technology and environmental-science principles to refine hydrographic survey competency standards, with the aim to foster safer and more efficient nautical operations.
- Researchers from the field of science, using data from S-100 based product specifications like S-101, S-102, and S-104, have been analyzing hydrographic survey data to develop advanced methods for hydrographic environmental monitoring and assessment, which can ultimately contribute to the preservation and protection of our marine ecosystems.
