This edition comprises four articles and two notes. The first article from Greece discusses the merits of Satellite Derived Bathymetry (SDB) techniques and the use of this technology where traditional hydrographic surveying methods may not be cost effective or difficult to undertake.
Two articles have been submitted from the USA describing innovative open source software initiatives – ping-to-chart workflows and sound speed profiling capabilities. With so many software solutions and systems in use for hydrographic data collection and processing, it can be a challenge to maintain an open capability and not get too locked into proprietary solutions. At least with an open source code capability, users have the option to test data using their own parameters and use additional verification processes that provides a level of independence.
The final article from the UK and USA discusses the use of forward looking navigation sonar systems to improve safety of navigation and bathymetric data holdings through crowd sourcing. The article describes the technology and, provides good arguments for the adoption of this technology to be installed on various vessels, particularly those that are navigating in areas with significant white space on the navigation charts.
The Chilean Navy Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service (SHOA) has contributed a Note describing the survey and charting work required to complete the coverage of their Interior Water’s Commercial Navigation Route – a significant task that will improve navigation safety and enable more vessels to use the waterway rather than navigate through open seas.
Finally, the IHO Secretariat has included a Note describing the revised IHO Convention that will operate as the IHO moves into its new structure.
I would also like to take the opportunity to congratulate Mr Juha Korhonen of Finland on his award of the Price Albert 1st Medal for Hydrography 2017 (IHO CL24/2017). Juha’s achievements over many years are well known and he was pivotal in the production of the Baltic Sea Special Edition of the IHR in November 2014. A worthy recipient indeed.
On behalf of the Editorial Board, I hope that this edition is of interest to you and may inspire you to submit a future paper on the work that you have done or are currently engaged in.
Thank you to the authors for your contributions and to my colleagues who provided peer reviews for the Articles in this edition.
Ian W. Halls
Editor