Every year on June 21, World Hydrography Day is celebrated. It was established in 2006, thanks to the efforts of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), which dates back to June 1921. The initiative to establish a new international holiday was supported by the UN General Assembly.
Hydrography – science and field of activity related to mapping, issuing instructions, requirements and guidance documents on navigation. It is no coincidence that the literal meaning of the word «hydrography» translated from Greek means water description. Thus, one of the main tasks of hydrography includes ensuring the safety of navigation in the oceans, seas and inland waters of states (on rivers, lakes, reservoirs). This is achieved through hydrographic research, work, which results in new navigation maps, manuals and manuals, the construction of beacons, signal lights, fencing signs, etc.
The application of hydrography is currently very multifaceted. The use of hydrographic survey results is not limited to navigation alone. It is used in dredging, searching for new resources on the seabed, designing and constructing port and water protection structures, as well as in the field of ecology and safety.
Every country with a river and sea fleet has a hydrographic service to ensure navigation safety.
Russian hydrography traces its history back to the time of Peter I, when the first targeted hydrographic studies began. Regular oceanographic and hydrometeorological work began to be carried out in Russia from the beginning of the 19th century after Yu.F. sailed around the world. Lisyansky and I.F. Krusenstern.
Today, modern hydrography uses high-precision technologies (Photo: Volodymyr Goinyk, licensed from Shutterstock.com)
Hydrographic surveys became an indispensable part of sea expeditions around the world carried out by many maritime powers. Subsequently, special research vessels were built to conduct hydrographic research.
In June 1921, the International Hydrographic Organization appeared, whose activities were aimed at coordinating the efforts of hydrographic services of different countries in order to facilitate navigation and increase its safety.
Hydrographic survey methods were gradually improved, making it possible to draw up more accurate maps, tables, diagrams, manuals and manuals used in shipping. Today, modern hydrography uses high-precision technologies, including satellite imagery and automated systems.
Every year, World Hydrography Day is held under a specific theme chosen by the International Hydrographic Organization.