Explanation of the Terms: "Hydrographer" and "Hydrography"
In the realm of marine sciences, three distinct disciplines stand out: Hydrography, Oceanography, and Hydrology. Let's delve into the origins and definition of Hydrography, a field that focuses on navigation and marine safety.
The agreed definition of Hydrography, as established by the International Hydrographic Conference of 1932, is the science of measuring and describing the physical features of oceans, seas, coastal areas, lakes, and rivers. Its primary purpose is to chart the depth and shape of water bodies, identify hazards to navigation, and assist in maritime boundary delimitation.
This differs from Oceanography, the broader scientific study of the oceans, including their biology, chemistry, physics, geology, and ecosystem dynamics. Oceanography investigates ocean currents, marine life, chemical composition, and geological features from a scientific research perspective.
Hydrology, on the other hand, is the study of the movement, distribution, and quality of water on land, including rivers, lakes, groundwater, and the water cycle involving precipitation and evapotranspiration. Hydrology is primarily concerned with freshwater systems and terrestrial water resources rather than marine navigation or ocean studies.
The question of defining the word "Hydrography" has been a topic of discussion since the establishment of the International Hydrographic Bureau. In 1932, the Conference formalized hydrography as a discipline distinct from these other water sciences. Three alternative definitions were submitted for consideration, with the most accepted being: "Hydrography is the science by which data concerning the true configuration of the Earth, as far as useful to Navigation, are determined and published in a suitable form for the use of Mariners."
The paper, titled "Definition of the words 'Hydrographer' and 'Hydrography'", was written by J. D. Nares. It was published in volume 11, issue 1 of the Hydrographic Review, a predecessor journal of The International Hydrographic Review. The first President of the Directing Committee, Admiral Sir John PARRY, also wrote an article in the first volume of the Hydrographic Review to clarify the definition of "Hydrography".
Circular Letter No. 1-H of 1933 was issued, instructing the Bureau to examine the question of the definition of the words "Hydrographer" and "Hydrography". The replies to this circular letter showed that there is a considerable difference in the number of subjects with which the Hydrographic Offices of different countries have to deal. The term Hydrographer was suggested to be restricted to the Head of the Hydrographic Office only, and the officers working under him who have specialised in Hydrography should be termed Marine Surveyors or alternatively Hydrographic Engineers.
In summary, hydrography, as defined in 1932, is mainly oriented toward practical applications related to marine navigation and charting water bodies, while oceanography covers broader scientific research of marine environments, and hydrology focuses on terrestrial and freshwater water systems. The 1932 conference formalized hydrography as a discipline distinct from these other water sciences.
Contemporary medical-conditions research often utilizes advancements in technology to study the impacts of pollution and climate change on marine life, bridging the gap between health-and-wellness and marine sciences. In the realm of technology, novel techniques are developed to enhance hydrographic measurements for improved navigation and maritime safety, thus allowing for the seamless integration of distinct disciplines such as medical-conditions, health-and-wellness, science, technology, oceanography, and hydrography.
