hidrográfiai

Hidrográfiai, or hydrography, is the science and practice of measuring and describing bodies of water to support safe navigation, coastal planning, and scientific research. It covers collecting, interpreting, and publishing data about oceans, seas, rivers, and lakes, including depth (bathymetry), bottom topography, tides and currents, water levels, salinity, temperature, and sediment movement. The principal products are nautical charts and bathymetric maps that help mariners, engineers, and policymakers understand underwater environments.

Hydrographic surveys employ a range of methods and instruments. Traditionally, depth was determined with a lead line; modern practice uses echo sounders, multi-beam sonar, side-scan sonar, and sub-bottom profiling. Aerial LiDAR is used in shallow coastal zones, while satellite altimetry provides wider, though less detailed, coverage. Data are processed and stored in geographic information systems and shared through international hydrographic standards.

History and governance: Hydrography developed from the need for safe navigation and port development. The modern discipline is standardized by international bodies such as the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), which coordinates survey methods, charting standards, and data quality controls. National hydrographic offices carry out surveys, maintain nautical charts, and provide navigational information.

Applications: Hydrography supports maritime safety, offshore engineering, dredging and harbor maintenance, flood risk assessment, coastal zone management, and environmental monitoring. It also underpins scientific disciplines such as oceanography and geology by providing accurate baselines and time series data.

Standards and data exchange are governed by the IHO, including the electronic navigational chart standard (S-57) and the S-100 framework, which enable interoperability among national charts, vessels, and services.