There were three sessions of General Assembly held with the first
one held online on 4 September 2022. Each Commission Chair presented
their achievement in the last four years of holding the chair.
The General Assembly elected Mr. Malavige Don Eranda
Kanachana Gunathilaka from Sri Lanka, SISL, as the Chair
Elect of Commission 4, the elected Chair Elect term as the
Chair of the Commission will be initiated at the FIG
Congress 2022 for the period 2023-2026.
To read more about Working Week 2021 in general, the full report
FIG e-Working Week 2021 is available.
FIG e-Working Week 2021
June 2021
Rear Admiral Luigi Sinapi is the International
Hydrographic Organization’s Director from 1
September 2020 for a period of six years.
Previously, he was the Director of the Italian
Hydrographic Institute from October 2015 to July
2020.
Rear Admiral Sinapi will be giving a
presentation at the FIG e-Working Week 2021 in the
technical session’s Oceans and Seas = SDG14 and a
Smart Future.
Article: Key Global and Technology Drivers Impacting Surveying
February 2021
The article was published in GIM International. As the FIG commission chairs
are near the halfway point in their
terms, they reflect on the global and technological drivers
influencing their work. This article describes the breadth of work
across the FIG commissions as well as the common areas. The
discussion is also informed by global reports such as the UN-GGIM’s
Future Trends in Geospatial Information Management and the RICS
Futures Report 2020.
Enjoy the article
Vacancy for a FIG Representative to the FIG/IHO/ICA
International Board on Standards of Competence for Hydrographic Surveyors
and Nautical (IBSC)
June 2020
FIG has four seats at ISCB. One of the FIG
representatives, Prof. Dr. Keith McGowan Miller,
University of the West Indies, is now stepping down
after impressive 8 years on the board. FIG sends a
very special thanks to Prof. Miller and to his
University for his dedicated work and help to the
surveying community through FIG and for the support
from the university.
FIG Commission 4 is therefore now looking for a new FIG representative
replacing Prof. Miller.
FIG Commission 4 would suggest that the fourth IBSC representative is from
the academic/educational background, taking into account his/her
geographical location, but this call is open to all eligible and qualified
candidates.
It is our hope to find the FIG representative as fast as possible due
to the activities of the board. It is expected that the FIG representative
attends the 44th Meeting of the IBSC scheduled to take place in
March/April 2021.
FIG activities are solely based on volunteering and volunteers
which means that unfortunately, there is no funding from FIG connected to
this position. FIG is dependent on the support from the candidate and
his/her organisation, hoping that there will be a mutual benefit for the
candidate, the organisation/employer and for FIG.
Please send your expression of interest to Louise Friis-Hansen at
lfh@fig.net incl CV and a short
motivation soonest possible - and the latest by 10 July.
FIG Working (from home) Week 2020 - Proceedings
May 2020
During the conference days a range of articles
highlighting the hot-topics, the ground breaking
research, and the hidden gems in the proceedings was
published.
The 2019-2020 year has been a busy one with the Working Groups
focussing on representing FIG at a number of events and forum to gain
insight to develops generally and also to deliver and present on the work
of FIG. Through all its Working Group, Commission 4 has been actively
involved in implementing its policy by working in close cooperation with
relevant organisations and institutions.
Read the article
It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we
announce the cancellation of this year’s FIG Working
Week in Amsterdam due 10-14 May.
This is not a decision we have taken lightly and there are two
overriding concerns that have caused us to make this decision at this
time.
First, the Dutch Government announced new measurements to control the
COVID-19 outbreak. In the Netherlands all gatherings are prohibited until
1 June.
Second, our primary concern is always the wellbeing of you, and we
would not take on the responsibility, during these times, to bring so many
surveyors from all over the world together.
The theme Smart Surveyors for Land and
Water Management is both relevant in a
world where drinking water is a scarce resource,
waste water needs to be recycled rather than seen as
waste, where the sea needs to be better mapped and
managed, where land resources need to be protected
against sea-level rise, and where land-based fresh
water habitats are threatened.
FIG Commission 4 in collaboration with PEJUTA and UTM wil
be organising a hydrography seminar on 18-19 November 2019 in
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The event will be supported by the
National Hydrographic Centre, Malaysia and the Department of
Survey and Mapping Malaysia. Together with the seminar, the
Commisison 4 Annual Meeting will be held.
Web site:
http://www.geoinfo.utm.my/klgeohydro
The Working Week took place in Hanoi, Vietnam
22-26 April 2019. Commission 4 held its yearly meeting and was
involved in several sessions covering the commission 4 areas.
Ocean Teacher Global Academy: OTGA/VLIZ Research Data Management Training Course
4-8 December 2017, Oostende, Belgium
Research Data Management (RDM) covers the planning, creating,
storing, organizing, accessing, sharing, describing,
publishing and curating of data. RDM is mandated by many
funding agencies and increasingly by governments to provide
access to funded research results. The management of data,
particularly large-scale data, has many challenges, and the
roles of researchers, facilities that manage marine data,
repositories and libraries are coming together to provide
access, preservation and archive of this data and the
scholarly products associated with it.
Commission chairs 2015-2018 at their meeting during the FIG
Working Week, 29 May-2 June in Helsinki, Finland: Remy Boudon(comm. 6) Volker
Schwieger (comm. 5), See Lian ONG (comm. 10), Angela Etuonovbe
(comm. 4), Steven Nystrom (comm. 9), Kwame Tenadu (comm. 8),
Enrico Rispoli (comm. 3), Gerda Schennach (comm. 7), Fahria Masum(comm. 2), Brian J.
Coutts (comm. 1)
News from IHO
Dear friends and colleagues a Happy New Year from Commission
4.
Please find a
circular letter from IHO relating to the creation of a
technical Project Team to develop new and updated Standards for
Hydrographic Surveys.
As FIG has observer status with IHO it
may be possible for FIG to have a representative (or two) who
would be the points of contact for the technical standards
development and relay, disseminate and provide updates, on the
work of the Project Team, to FIG Commission 4 members.
As time
is short and nominations need to be with IHO by 15th February
it
is suggested that, if you are interested in representing FIG,
you email the undersigned with an expression of interest and a
brief outline of current work/Standards experience. This is a
non-funded activity that will involve numerous meetings at
several international locations so any applicant is advised to
identify appropriate financial support.
It would be helpful if
you are planning submitting a nomination directly with your own
organization to let us know in order to get an idea of the scope
of the FIG interests.
OGC Marine DWG Meeting - Vancouver, Canada, January 30, 2017
The next OGC Marine Domain Working Group meeting is scheduled
for January 30th, 2017, 0900-1600.
Location: Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver, 645 Howe Street,
Vancouver, BC, Canada
You are invited to attend a meeting of the OGC Marine Domain
Working Group (DWG) in Vancouver, Canada, January 30th 2017. The
Marine DWG was established to address the gap in the OGC
baseline with regards to marine geospatial data and to ensure
knowledge is exchanged effectively between the relevant
standards organizations, the OGC membership and the broader
geospatial community. Although this group will not be the
platform for creating new standards, it will be the platform to
discuss and understand any issues, concerns, or barriers to
interoperability to ensure that marine data can be effectively
shared by the wider community.
With the recently finalized IHO/OGC Memorandum, this is a great
opportunity to bring the community together. The Marine DWG
meeting will be held the day before the IHO MSDI working group
meeting, which will be held at the same location, from January
31st to February 2nd, 2017. This meeting will introduce the
Marine DWG to the representatives of the MSDIWG, discuss areas
of focus for the Marine DWG, develop a Work Plan, and collect
feedback from MSDIWG Representatives and Marine DWG Members.
The high level activities of the DWG are expected to include;
Discuss the content of a conceptual model for a MSDI.
Discuss the types of OGC services that might be useful in
providing hydrographic and seafloor survey data e.g. chart
features, high resolution bathymetric coverages through
standardized interfaces.
Define any areas for standardization and create necessary
Standards Working Groups to address the gaps in the OGC, IHO and
IOGP standards baseline.
Explore the potential for an interoperability pilots and
testbeds that help define the workflows for ensuring that marine
geospatial data can be used for purposes other than navigation.
This will include identifying potential sponsors.
Determine the Big Data potential for marine data and identify
relevant standardized interfaces and experiment with testbeds.
Promote the development of OGC best practices and standards to
meet the technical needs of MSDI
This Marine Domain Working Group is open for all and we
encourage any interested organizations to register and attend.
Commission 4 at the FIG Working Week 2016 in Christchurch, New Zealand
2-6 May
Commission 4 had five technical, inspirational and
thought provoking sessions. The Blue Economy Session as well as
the other technical sessions was very interesting, well attended
and great contributions were made. Of notes were -
The Hydrographic Surveyors role and contributions to the
sustained management of our Sea's and Oceans.
Harnessing the data collected for science and the data
collected for Hydrography.
As a follow up on promoting the importance of the Blue
Economy for sustainable development, FIG commission 4 will be
having a one day workshop on Blue Economy during the Ocean
Business conference in April 2017.
Commission 4 report - presented at the General Assembly
[Report]
[Handouts]
Commission 4 will be having its annual
meeting at the FIG Congress 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 17 June
2014 at 8:00 - 9:00. Commission 4 hopes to see many at the meeting.
Blue Economy Seminar, 09 April 2013 and The Ocean Business
Exhibition Week, 09-11 April 2013, Southampton, United
Kingdom
FIG and IHO bring their one-off exclusive seminar to Ocean
Business. The President of the IHO and The National Hydrographer for
the UK will be in attendance at the ?Blue Economy? Seminar.
Organised in partnership with FIG (International Federation of
Surveyors) and IHO (International Hydrographic Organisation)
alongside Ocean Business, this one off seminar is setting a
forward looking strategy for the ?Blue Economy? and looking at the
combined views of both governmental and non-governmental
organisations.
It is with great sadness that we recognise the passing on
Friday, 31st August, 2012 of Professor Dr. Volker Böder
of HafenCity University Hamburg (HCU), Germany and, until
his passing, Vice-Chair of Commission 4, and Chair of
Working Group 4.3 Multi-Sensor Systems for Hydrographic
Applications. Volker was a very active member of Commission
4 who was working on a publication related to the
development of technical guidelines for sensor integration
(best practises). Although he had a busy life outside of FIG
and Commission 4, he was very supportive of the Commission’s
work and objectives. I found him always pleasant, soft
spoken, respectful and dependable. He shall be very much
missed as a colleague and friend. Dr. Michael Sutherland (Canada, and Trinidad and Tobago)
Chair (2011-2014), Commission 4, September, 2012
Commission 4 at the FIG Working Week 2012 in Rome, Italy, 6-10
May 2012
Angela Kesiena Etuonovbe
Commission 4 had its annual meeting during
the FIG Working Week 2012 in Rome, Italy, 6-10 May 2012. The
General Assembly appointed Ms.
Angela Kesiena Etuonovbe from Nigeria as the Chair
Elect of Commission 4 for 2013-2014.
Commission 4 Participates in UNRCC – PCGIAP International
Symposium on Spatially Enabled Government and Society, 14th - 16th
February 2012, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The XVIII
International Hydrographic Conference 23-27 April 2012, Monaco
The International Hydrographic Conference (IHC) is formed
by the representatives of Member States and meets every five years
to provide general guidance on the functioning and work of the
organization, as well as taking decisions of technical and
administrative nature.
CHC 2012 - Canadian Hydrographic Conference organised by
Canadian Hydrographic Service and Canadian Hydrographic Association
will be held in Niagara Falls, Canada 15-17 May 2012.
Web site: http://chc2012.ca/
Commission 4 at the FIG Working Week, May 2011 Marrakech Morocco
A Textbook for ECDIS Use and Training
By Horst Hecht et al.
Published by Geomares Publishing Read more
Web site:
www.electronic-chart.com
David Neale of Trinidad and Tobago passed away on 7
June 2011
David Neale was a former Commission 4 Vice-Chair
Administration (2007-2010). Until his passing, he was an
active member the FIG/IHO/ICA International Board on
Standards of Competence for Hydrographic Surveyors and
Nautical Cartographers (IBSC), and as well the Chairman of
RICS Caribbean (2009-2011). He was also a part-time lecturer
on Hydrography in the Department of Geomatics Engineering
and Land Management, Faculty of Engineering, University of
the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago.
Commission 4 at the FIG Congress 2010 in Sydney, Australia,
11-16 April 2010
Michael Sutherlan
Commission 4 had its Annual Meeting during the
FIG Congress 2010 in Sydney, Australia, 11-16 April 2010. The
General Assembly appointed Dr. Michael Sutherland from Canada as
the Chair of Commission 4 for 2011-2014.
The International Committee on Global Navigation Satellite
Systems (ICG), met in Pasadena, California, USA, from 8 to 12
December 2008. Vice President Matt Higgins attended
representing the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG).
Read more...
FIG Working Week 2008 in Stockholm, Sweden, 14-19 June 2008
The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Geomatics group
and FIG (Comm 4 -Hydrography) have launched a guide on
Developing a Vertical Reference Surface for Hydrography. It is a
useful document on what a vertical reference surface is and how it can
benefit stakeholders.
The IHO Manual on Hydrography general objective is to provide
knowledge on the concepts involved in hydrography as well as guidance
to plan and execute hydrographic surveys. The Manual is considered to
be a professional guide for hydrographic surveyors and a tool for
teachers and students involved in hydrographic courses or programs.
The Manual has an important role to play in Capacity Building and
therefore its translation into French and Spanish is under
consideration.
Pathways to Professionalism - Hydro International - Insider's View
March 2006
Over the last few years it has
become apparent to many in our profession that some form of recognised
formal career development, above and beyond an initial degree or
course of study, is becoming more and more desirable – if not
necessary. Read the whole
article from Adam Greenland, Chair of Commission 4.
World Hydrographic Day - for the first time 21 June 2006 -
read more
Commission 4 contribution to FIG Article of the Month - Adam J.
Kerr's presentation at Intergeo 2005 on "Hydrography
and Disaster Management"
The FIG Article of the Month in November 2005 is written by
Adam J. Kerr, United Kingdom. His paper "Hydrography
and Disaster Management" has been for the first time presented at
the FIG Forum at the Intergeo 2005 in Düsseldorf, Germany, 4 October
2005.
Appeal from THSoA to help hydrographic surveyors after massive
devastation of Hurricane Katrina
The Hydrographic Society of America (THSoA),
www.thsoa.org have launched an
appeal as many hydrographic surveyors have lost their homes and their
communities have been destroyed in the massive devastation in the wake
of Hurricane Katrina. The appeal was launched at the Shallow Water
2005 conference in Plymouth in September 2005. Read more from the
attached powerpoint presentation
and the THSoA web site.
FIG Working Week in Cairo, Egypt, 16-21 April 2005
Andrew Leyzack appointed as Commission 4 Chair Elect and next
Chairperson
The
FIG General Assembly appointed Mr. Andrew Leyzack from Canada
as the new Chair Elect (2005-2006) of FIG Commission 4 at its meeting
in Cairo in April. Andrew will also automatically follow current
chairperson Adam Greenland as the Chair of Commission 4 for
2006-2010.
The South East Asian Survey Congress (SEASC) occurs
every four years. This report covers the Congress in Hong Kong in
November 2003. The Congress involved over 250 delegates from 25
countries. Commission 4 Technical Programme,
Wednesday 5 November, 2003. All
technical papers are available free of charge.
Full report by Adam
Greenland on the Hydrography related papers and technical tour.
FIG Commission 4 enjoyed a highly successful congress, which
included 8 papers and a full day technical tour to the Hong Kong
Civil Engineering Department (CED) and Hydrographic Office (HKHO).
Lik-shan LAM, CED Surveyor and Kwok-chu NG, Hydrographer HKHO
organised and hosted the tour, which was attended by approx. 70
persons attended the technical sessions which included papers on
Chart datum & Tidal datum from GPS, GPS buoys for monitoring sea
state, Current IHO activities and Marine Cadastre.
Adam Greenland, Chair of FIG Commission 4
visited the IHB office on Friday 14 November 2003, and met with
Capt.
Hugo Gorziglia, Director 2, responsible for FIG and IHB
liaison. This was the first opportunity to meet since the IHB and
FIG elections last year in 2002. The discussions centred on areas of
future co-operation such as education, training, capacity building
and generally building closer links and lines of communication. The
meeting proved a great success and I would like to thank all at the
IHB for their kind hospitality. The framework for future
co-operation is outlined in the new IHO/FIG MoU, which will be
signed at the FIG WW in Athens next year, May 2004 (www.fig2004.gr).
Commission chairs 2015-2018 at their meeting during the FIG
Working Week, 29 May-2 June in Helsinki, Finland: Remy Boudon(comm. 6) Volker
Schwieger (comm. 5), See Lian ONG (comm. 10), Angela Etuonovbe
(comm. 4), Steven Nystrom (comm. 9), Kwame Tenadu (comm. 8),
Enrico Rispoli (comm. 3), Gerda Schennach (comm. 7), Fahria Masum(comm. 2), Brian J.
Coutts (comm. 1) 
The
FIG General Assembly appointed Mr. Andrew Leyzack from Canada
as the new Chair Elect (2005-2006) of FIG Commission 4 at its meeting
in Cairo in April. Andrew will also automatically follow current
chairperson Adam Greenland as the Chair of Commission 4 for
2006-2010.
