hidrografice

Hidrografice, in general use as the hydrographic field, is the branch of geoscience focused on the measurement and description of bodies of water and their shores. It encompasses the creation of maps and charts that depict depth, coastlines, underwater features, tides, currents, and water levels. The term is used to describe data, surveys, and products produced by hydrographic work, and it underpins the accurate representation of the marine and coastal environment.

Core activities include hydrographic surveying, bathymetric mapping, and the production of nautical charts. Techniques combine ocean-bottom depth measurements with geodetic positioning, using echo-sounding and sonar systems (single-beam and multibeam), as well as lidar for shallow water. Data are supplemented by tide gauges and, increasingly, satellite altimetry and remote sensing to model sea level and currents. Output products include nautical charts, depth measurements, tide and current tables, and coastal or seabed models.

Hydrographic information supports safe navigation, port and harbor development, offshore engineering, fisheries management, and environmental protection. It informs under-keel clearance, vessel routing, dredging plans, coastal flood and erosion assessments, and the design of maritime infrastructure. Hydrography also contributes to scientific research in oceanography and hydrology by providing standardized, georeferenced data.

Standards and coordination are provided by organizations such as the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and national hydrographic offices. The field has evolved from traditional charting to integrated, multi-disciplinary geospatial data, with ongoing efforts to improve mapping coverage, data accuracy, and accessibility for users around the world.