Basic Hydrography

Basic Hydrography and
Types of Marine Survey

Seftiawan Samsu Rijal
MK. Akustik Kelautan
Objective
• State the key elements of a hydrographic survey
• Identify the key differences of hydrographic surveys from different
field of science
• Describe the history of hydrographic survey
• Explain the data collection systems
• System calibration and corrector application
• Nautical charts
Literature
• Hydrography (De Jong et al, 2002)
https://www.ucalgary.ca/engo_webdocs/SpecialPublications/Hydrogra
phy_2ndEdition_eBook_2010.pdf
• An introduction to hydrographic surveying (Editor: Guyer, 2018)

https://www.bookdepository.com/Introduction-Hydrographic-Surveyin
g-J-Paul-Guyer/9781730736001
• Introduction to Hydrography
http://stream1.cmatc.cn/pub/comet/MarineMeteorologyOceans/Intro
ductiontoHydrography/comet/oceans/hydrography/print.htm
Exploration
Competency
What is Hydrography?
• Literally translated, hydrography means water mapping. That's quite a broad definition and in fact has
different meanings depending on the scientific discipline to which it refers.
• Oceanographers use the term to describe and map the physical characteristics of water such as
temperature, salinity, and chemical content. Geographers and geologists use hydrography to define the
water surface and the direction and volume of water flow between water bodies. Hydrography, as used
in nautical charting, is focused on identifying hazards to safe navigation which includes shallow depths,
shipwrecks, rocks, or other dangerous objects. The International Hydrographic Organization
defines hydrography as follows:
• Hydrography is the branch of applied science which deals with the measurement and
description of the physical features of oceans, seas, coastal areas, lakes and rivers, as well
as with the prediction of their change over time, for the primary purpose of safety of
navigation and in support of all other marine activities, including economic development,
security and defense, scientific research, and environmental protection.
• The key here is the emphasis on safe navigation and features related to that endeavor.
Principal Components
The end result of a hydrographic survey is a nautical chart: a map that shows the
seafloor and other features related to navigation. Thus every hydrographic survey has
four major components.
1. Positioning. This refers to the location of the survey data with respect to latitude
and longitude.
2. Water depth, measured from a vertical reference surface or datum, such as mean
lower low water, to the seafloor.
3. Features, sometimes referred to as targets, which may be hazards to navigation.
These include wrecks, shoals, reefs, and other features.
4. Seafloor characteristics. This refers primarily to the bottom type (for example,
mud, sand, bedrock, coral reef). Mariners want to know seafloor characteristics to
determine good anchorages or the danger in running aground.
Hydrographers use physical oceanography to characterize the properties of the water column, which
directly impact ocean acoustics, and to analyze the tidal characteristics of the survey area. Most
modern surveys use acoustic soundings to determine the water depth, so a successful survey requires
a solid understanding of acoustics.
Marine geology is useful in characterizing the seafloor. Determination of the geoid and other vertical
reference levels requires geophysical data, primarily gravity. Gathering the data together and producing
a nautical chart depends on sound cartography.
Thus, hydrography is really a multi-disciplinary science drawing on many fields to gather and process
data.
Benefits
• Safety of navigation is the single most important result of hydrography. This allows ships
to safely travel in and out of ports, saving lives and property and protecting the
environment.
• National Security requires that navies successfully navigate coastal waterways.
• Maritime commerce drives the global economy and depends on safety of navigation.
• Humanitarian relief in the aftermath of a natural disaster frequently arrives on a ship. Until
a clear and safe route to shore is established by hydrographers, supplies cannot reach
those in need.
Benefits
• Environmental management in coastal areas depends on knowledge of changes in the
marine environment. Hydrographic surveys determine changes to bathymetry and seafloor
characteristics.
• Commercial fishing uses nautical charts and other hydrographic products to locate fishing
grounds and navigate safely.
• Lower insurance costs . Updated nautical charting information can lead to a potential
reduction in insurance cost for commercial and private shipping companies, marinas, and
port and harbor authorities.
National and International Hydrographic
Organization
NATIONAL
• PUSHIDROS AL
• Parangtritis Geomaritime Science Park (PGSP) – BIG
• Pusat Pemetaan Kelautan dan Lingkungan Pesisir – BIG
• Dewan Hidrografi Indonesia (DHI)
INTERNATIONAL
• International Hydrographic Organization
Types of Marine Surveys
• Hydrographic surveys include sounding data (depth,

position, time, and seawater characteristics) at
sufficient density to accurately depict the full detail
of the seafloor. Of primary importance is the
location and description of man-made and natural
features such as shoals, wrecks, rocks, or coral
reefs, which may affect surface navigation.
• Hydrographic surveys for nautical charting usually
meet standards defined by the International
Hydrographic Organization.
• Bathymetric surveys differ from

hydrographic surveys in that they are
usually more general and less precise and
are often performed in deep water. The data
collected is essentially the same as that of a
hydrographic survey but the emphasis is on
the shape of the seafloor.
• Oceanographic surveys collect scientific

information in the zone that extends from the
water surface to the seafloor. This may include
water chemistry (salinity, dissolved oxygen, etc),
biological data like that shown here, or physical
data like sea heights, currents, or air-sea
interactions. Data may be used for research,
environmental management, fisheries, or
commercial purposes.
• Geophysical surveys characterize the structure and composition of the earth beneath the
sea floor and do not focus on the ocean itself. Measurements might include gravity,
magnetism, or heat-flow, as well as seismic reflection surveys that probe into the
sediments and rocks beneath the seafloor. This image shows a seismic reflection profile. In
it we can see sediment layers along with some of the faults that cut the rock layers.
Thank You!

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Basic Hydrography and

Types of Marine Survey

• An introduction to hydrographic surveying (Editor: Guyer, 2018)

• Hydrographic surveys include sounding data (depth,

• Bathymetric surveys differ from

• Oceanographic surveys collect scientific

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