Strengthening the Relationship Between the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and the International Cartographic Association (ICA)
Strengthening Collaboration in Marine Cartography: IHO and ICA Unite at ICC2019
The International Cartographic Conference (ICC2019) held in Tokyo, Japan, brought together approximately 950 delegates from about 75 countries to discuss the latest developments in cartography. Among the conference's highlights was a renewed focus on marine cartography, a field of growing importance in the face of increasing maritime activity and environmental concerns.
The ICA's Commission on Marine Cartography, re-established as a Working Group in 2015 and elevated to the status of a Commission at the 18th General Assembly of ICA in 2019, played a central role in these discussions. The Commission, chaired by Ron Furness from Australia, is tasked with disseminating information on Marine Cartography, promoting a global network for marine cartographers, fostering local meetings, and liaising with other relevant ICA Commissions, Working Groups, and external organizations.
The Commission's efforts were evident in the 750 presentations and 150 sessions that took place during the conference, which included a dedicated focus on Marine Cartography. The Technical and Commercial Exhibition at ICC2019, consisting of 22 booths, also offered 50 grants for young researchers, further supporting the development of marine cartography.
The ICC2019 also marked a significant step forward in the relationship between the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and ICA. Both organizations have a long-standing collaboration through the International Board on Standards of Competence for Hydrographic Surveyors and Nautical Cartographers (IBSC), where they work together on education and standardization in marine cartography.
This collaboration was reflected in the joint standard-setting and education efforts under the IBSC framework and associated internships, engaging experts and young professionals in hydrography and nautical cartography. The IHO and ICA also demonstrated strategic collaboration aligned with IHO standards, aiming to enhance regional hydrographic capabilities and promote safe navigation and environmental stewardship.
The mutual emphasis on outreach and capacity building was another area of synergy between the two organizations. This cooperation strengthened global cooperation in marine cartography and related fields, as seen in the International Map Exhibition (IME) held during the conference, where many nautical charts were displayed.
The IHO and ICA's collaboration extends beyond the IBSC, with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2012 encouraging regular contact between their Commissions and Working Groups. The Commission's Terms of Reference can be found on the ICA's website, providing a clear outline of its responsibilities and goals.
As the Commission's Chair and Vice-Chair, Ron Furness and Emeritus Professor Lysandros Tsoulos, respectively, are focusing on a succession plan for their replacements. The IBSC is also considering expanding ICA representation to four members due to an increasing workload and interest in the development and maintenance of S-8A and S-8B standards.
Readers interested in contributing to the work of the Commission on Marine Cartography through the ICA are invited to contact either Ron Furness at [email protected] or Lysandros Tsoulos at [email protected].
The ICC2019 served as a testament to the growing importance of marine cartography and the ongoing collaboration between the IHO and ICA in this field. As both organizations continue to work together, they will undoubtedly contribute to the improvement of the accuracy, accessibility, and utility of marine maps and charts internationally.
[1] IHO (2019). IHO Strategic Plan 2019-2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.ihohq.org/web/iho/iho-strategic-plan-2019-2023
[2] IHO (2019). IHO Standards and Requirements for Hydrographic Surveys. [Online]. Available: https://www.ihohq.org/web/iho/iho-standards-and-requirements-for-hydrographic-surveys
[3] IHO (2019). IHO Regional Hydrographic Commissions. [Online]. Available: https://www.ihohq.org/web/iho/iho-regional-hydrographic-commissions
[4] ICA (2019). ICA Commission on Marine Cartography. [Online]. Available: https://icaci.org/commissions/marine-cartography/
The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and International Cartographic Association (ICA) demonstrated strategic collaboration aligned with IHO standards, aiming to enhance regional hydrographic capabilities and promote safe navigation and environmental stewardship. This collaboration involves data-and-cloud-computing technology in hydrographic survey, a critical component of nautical charting. The joint focus on improving marine maps and charts, such as in the International Map Exhibition held during ICC2019, highlights the commission's commitment to the latest developments in marine cartography, including nautical charting and hydrographic survey.
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