International hydrographic survey standards

Abstract

The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) traces its origin to the establishment of the International Hydrographic Bureau (IHB) in 1921 which was formed to consider adopting similar methods and procedures in hydrographic data acquisition and nautical chart publication. In September 1970, the Member States formally adopted the IHO name and narrowed the meaning of the IHB to refer only to the Organization's Headquarters in Monaco. The stated objectives of the IHO include, among others, the coordination of the activities of national Hydrographic Offices and the adoption of reliable and efficient methods of conducting hydrographic surveys. To accomplish these objectives several committees and working groups have been periodically established to draft standards and specifications which are then submitted to the Member States for ratification.