It is with great pleasure that we accept the invitation of the IHR Editor to write a few lines in this prestigious Review on the eve of a unique anniversary for the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), the first 100 years which will be celebrated on 21 June 2021. The 100 years celebrations of one of the world’s oldest International Organizations precede that of the International Hydrographic Review (IHR) which will be in 2023.
The International Hydrographic Review is an authoritative, international journal publishing original peer-reviewed works on all aspects of hydrography and associated subjects, ranging from history via scientific insight to the latest technical developments. The Review provides immediate open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the public, supports a greater global exchange of knowledge.
The IHR has tirelessly accompanied generations of hydrographers, researchers and scientists throughout their careers, proving to be a reliable point of reference both for those who have decided to practise hydrography, and for professionals, who have considered the Review a useful tool to put their knowledge and experience in the fields of Hydrography and Nautical Cartography at the disposal of the International Hydrographic and Maritime Communities.
The similarities between the modern editions and those of the early years are numerous. Reading, for example, the articles that appeared in the first issue of the IHR, and in particular one, entitled: Use of the words “Hydrography” and “Hydrographer”, one still feels a strong desirable endeavour to arrive at some definite conclusion, so that hydrography is no longer a discipline for the few, but a science at the service of humanity, necessary – now more than ever – to contribute to the sustainable growth of our planet.
In this respect, the topics dealt with by the hundreds of experts who have contributed articles and notes to the IHR have changed over the years, moving more and more towards digital and databases. But, the spirit of those who continue to passionately contribute to the Review has remained practically unchanged, as well as that of the readers who continue to follow the evolution of Hydrography with interest and passion, demonstrating that hydrography represents today, more than ever, that branch of applied sciences which underpins almost every other activity associated with the sea.
We wish everyone – the Editor, authors and readers of the International Hydrographic Review – to participate in the next 100 years of the International Hydrographic Organization with undiminished interest and in the spirit of international cooperation that has distinguished the centennial activity of IHO and its Review.
Abri Kampfer / Director 
Dr Mathias Jonas / Secretary-General 
Luigi Sinapi / Director