The Congress in Sydney, Australia was the main activity
in Commission action plan in 2010. Commission 4 presented nine
sessions, five of which were collaborative with other
commissions – 5, 7 and 8. These joint sessions featured work on
vertical reference frames (datums), positioning at sea, coastal
zone issues, capacity building, competencies and the
administration of marine spaces.
A number of presentations were from peer reviewed papers and two
sessions were offered as virtual posters in flash sessions. All of the
sessions were well attended and in some cases were subject to standing room
only. For the benefit of hydrographic-types a technical tour was organised
by Sydney Ports and co-hosted by Sydney Ports, Newcastle Port Corporation
and the Royal Australian Navy. In Sydney also the annual general meeting
plus an executive meeting of commission officers were held.
Four newsletters as well as an Insider’s View article on the Economic
Benefits of Hydrography were published in Hydro International. In the FIG
publication series two Commission 4 publications were launched: “Guidelines
for the Planning, Management and Execution of Hydrographic Surveys in Ports
and Harbours” (Publication No. 56) and “The Economic Benefits of
Hydrography” (Publication No. 57 was published as a web-only document).
Work Plan
Terms of reference
Hydrographic surveying
Hydrographic education, training and CPD
Marine environment & CZM
Data processing and management
Nautical charting and bathymetric maps - analogue and digital, includes
ENCs (Electronic Navigational Charts).
Mission Statement
Promote the aims and objectives of FIG to hydrographers through the
active involvement of national delegates from member associations and other
interested parties in the activities of the commission.
Foster closer links with all sister organisations currently active
within the global hydrographic community.
Develop guidelines and standards that will assist hydrographers in the
provision of their services.
Disseminate information relevant to the profession through participation
in international meetings, conferences and committees.
