This edition comprises several articles, notes and general information. The first article from China describes their research efforts to determine a model to establish the zero calibration point for pressure-type water level/tide gauges. Their experiences with observing water levels at various sites enabled the hydrographers to determine the most appropriate modelling algorithm to correct the data and satisfactorily establish the zero calibration point.
The collaboration between national agencies and industry to provide hydrographic survey capability to meet national charting responsibilities is not new. Programs in the UK, USA and NZ have been in place for some years. In Australia, a similar program will commence in early 2020 and is discussed in the note regarding Project SEA2400. My role in the AHO is to introduce that project into operation and I therefore have an interest in learning from other HO experiences working with industry. The article from New Zealand provides an insight into the difficulties of working in challenging waters, dealing with an earthquake in the middle of the contract and having to meet the data collection requirements for two types of product to meet different needs – charting and science.
A third article from the Netherlands continues the research in determining the appropriate gridded depth model from multibeam data. Well developed models exist and have been implemented in hydrographic survey processing software, so it is of interest that there is continuing research in this field looking at alternative options.
Two notes from Chile and Australia are included. The first note describes the tidal regime in Chile’s Kirke Channel and when considered with the other articles from China and NZ, is a timely reminder of the complexity of the natural world which we work in. A second note from Australia provides information of a new project to establish a panel of hydrographic survey companies to undertake surveys for Australia’s national charting program. At the time of writing, the tender responses are being evaluated with the first contracts expected to be issued late 2019.
Two news items from the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP) have been included in the General Information section. Also published via IOGP pages: http://www.iogp.org/blog/category/press-releases, the items relevant to stakeholders and the wider oil & gas industry, notify the release of:
- · Geomatics Guidance Note 24: Vertical Data in Oil and Gas Applications
- · Updated version of the Guidelines for the conduct of offshore drilling hazard site surveys
Finally, we include an obituary for Commander Wadhera (India). It is always sad to farewell a fellow professional and it is pleasing to recognise his achievements.
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