Unbiased Perspective on IHR 16 Editorial
In the latest edition of the International Hydrographic Review (IHR), published in August 2025, several notable updates and contributions have been made.
The International Centre for Electronic Navigation Charts (IC-ENC) has contributed a Note detailing the growth and operations of two offices to support its quality assurance and distribution operations. This move is part of IC-ENC's ongoing efforts to modernize electronic charting and navigation data, aligning closely with IHO standards such as S-101, an evolution of the current ENC format, S-57.
Gilles Bessero, IHO Director, has submitted a paper highlighting the importance of recognising copyright issues related to a database used for mapping products. However, no specific mention of this topic was found in the provided results as of August 2025.
The edition also pays tribute to the late Mr. Adam Kerr, a past IHB Director and IHR Editor, who passed away. Mr. Kerr's enthusiasm and drive through the IHB significantly contributed to the evolving standards and adoption of CDIS technology. An obituary and a review of his recently published book are included in this edition.
The second article provides an update on the Australian Hydrographic Service, first described in the May 2016 IHR edition. Ian W. Halls, the Editor of this edition, took over the IHR Editor role from Mr. Adam Kerr in 2011.
As for global initiatives, the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) is actively promoting the S-100 framework, a significant upgrade in electronic navigation charts and related maritime data. Countries like Canada and New Zealand are leading the way with S-100 sea trials and maritime digital transformation programs, respectively.
Unfortunately, no specific publicly available updates directly detailing recent operations or initiatives by the IHO specifically in Bangladesh or Australia were found in the search results as of mid-2025. However, it is worth noting that the Bahamas recently joined the IHO, underscoring the ongoing enlargement and international cooperation within the organization.
The IHR expresses its gratitude to colleagues for providing peer reviews for the articles, and the Editorial Board hopes the edition is of interest and inspires future paper submissions. This edition contains two articles, an obituary for Mr. Adam Kerr, and additional notes of information.
Technology advancements in hydrographic survey were discussed in the International Hydrographic Review (IHR), with the IC-ENC contributing a Note on the growth and operations of two offices to support the modernization of electronic charting and navigation data, following IHO standards such as S-101 and S-57. The IHO is also actively promoting the S-100 framework, a significant upgrade in electronic navigation charts and related maritime data, with countries like Canada and New Zealand leading the way with S-100 sea trials and maritime digital transformation programs.
