World Hydrography Day 2023

Tags: Important Days

World Hydrography Day is an annual celebration held on June 21st to raise awareness about hydrography and its significance. 

An overview of the news

• The primary objective of hydrography is to measure water depth and identify navigational hazards such as wrecks and rocks. 

• This is accomplished through various methods, including the use of specialized boats with echo sounders and sonars, laser-equipped survey aircraft, and satellite observations.

Theme of 2023

• The theme for World Hydrography Day 2023 is "Hydrography – underpinning the digital twin of the ocean." 

• This theme emphasizes the interconnectedness of hydrography and oceanography in creating a virtual representation of the ocean known as the "digital twin."

Background of the day

• It was established by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) to highlight the importance of hydrography in marine conservation and safe navigation.

• The concept of World Hydrography Day was proposed by the IHO in 2005, and it was officially adopted by the UN General Assembly through Resolution A/RES/60/30 Oceans and the Law of the Sea.

What is Hydrography?

• Hydrography also involves the calculation of tides and currents in oceans and seas. 

• It is considered an applied science that supports navigation safety, economic growth, security and defense, scientific research, and the understanding of ocean physics.