Hidrográfiát

Hidrográfiát, a Hungarian term, translates to "hydrography" in English. It is the scientific discipline concerned with the measurement and description of the physical features of oceans, seas, coastal areas, lakes, and rivers, as well as the prediction of their change over time. Hydrography is fundamentally concerned with the water bodies of the Earth.

The primary objective of hydrography is to provide the data necessary for the safe and efficient navigation of all maritime, inland waterway, and other water-based activities. This includes charting depths, identifying underwater hazards, and mapping coastlines. However, its applications extend far beyond navigation. Hydrographic data is crucial for environmental management, marine resource management, coastal zone planning, disaster management, and the development of marine infrastructure.

Key activities within hydrography include surveying the seabed, measuring tides and currents, and mapping these features. Modern hydrography heavily relies on advanced technologies such as multibeam echo sounders, side-scan sonar, GPS, and remote sensing. The data collected is then processed and compiled into nautical charts, which are essential tools for mariners. International standards for hydrographic surveying and charting are set by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO).