Editorial on IHR Issue 22
In the world of hydrography and marine science, the loss of Ian Halls was deeply felt. Known for his significant contributions to the field, Halls served as an editor for the esteemed International Hydrographic Review (IHR), a publication of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO).
Ian Halls' Legacy in the International Hydrographic Review
Halls dedicated much of his career to the IHR, promoting the development and dissemination of hydrographic knowledge and best practices globally. His tenure as editor saw the publication of high-quality articles and notes, contributing to the professional and technical development of hydrography as a discipline.
Following Halls' tragic disappearance, the second edition of 2019 was handled by an acting editor. The edition featured a range of topics, from the use of high-density bathymetry for the production of large scale Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) using IHO Standards, to the experiences and achievements of a branch of a Regional ENC Coordinating Center (RENC).
Current Developments in Hydrography
The IHR continues to be a platform for the exchange of hydrographic information, with recent articles investigating various aspects of the field. One article delved into the performance of airborne bathymetric Lidar in shallow waters for safety of navigation. Another presented a methodology for comparative analysis of regional bathymetric surfaces using graphical and statistical tools.
The potential of streaming data for marine navigation in small boats and recreational mariners is another topic of interest, as is the multidimensionality of marine data and possibilities for the development of hydrographic services. Advanced capabilities of the underlying technology for safety of navigation are also being showcased.
Cooperation and Collaboration in Hydrography
The International Bathymetric Society and Commission (IBSC) Chair has identified potential for closer ties between the commissions and working groups of each parent organization. This could lead to enhanced cooperation in areas such as spatial data infrastructures, early warning and responses to disasters, nautical cartography, crowdsourced bathymetry, education and standards of competence, cartographic heritage, and open source geospatial technologies.
The IBSC's efforts are reflective of the existing cooperation between the IHO and the International Cartographic Association (ICA). This collaboration is evident in the success of the RENCs, with the success of one RENC reflected in its quality assurance and support to ENC Producers.
A New Era for the International Hydrographic Review
The IHR is now under the leadership of Capt (Ret) Brian Connon, Director of the Hydrographic Science Research Center at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) in the United States of America. Connon's appointment marks a new era for the IHR, as it continues to serve as a vital resource for the hydrographic community.
In memoriam of Ian Halls, the IHR's previous editor, the IHR remains a tribute to his dedication and contributions to the field. Despite the challenges posed by his absence, the IHR continues to thrive, fostering collaboration, innovation, and the advancement of hydrography and marine science.
- Capt (Ret) Brian Connon, as the new leader of the International Hydrographic Review (IHR), is preemptively shaping a new era for the publication, maintaining its status as a crucial resource for the hydrographic community.
- The IHR, during Ian Halls' tenure as editor, advanced hydrographic knowledge and best practices globally by publishing high-quality articles and notes, contributing to the professional and technical development of the field.
- In the realm of marine spatial data, the IHR has featured studies on topics such as the use of airborne bathymetric Lidar in shallow waters for safety of navigation and the potential of streaming data for marine navigation in small boats.
- Cooperation between organizations like the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), International Cartographic Association (ICA), and the International Bathymetric Society and Commission (IBSC) continues to be important, with areas like spatial data infrastructures, nautical cartography, and open source geospatial technologies being points of collaboration.
