Since 2014, the IHO Crowdsourcing Initiative (CSBWG) has been working on helping efforts on data collection from non surveyed oceans
https://iho.int/en/crowdsourced-bathymetry
The world consists of around 70% of water but about 80 % of the world waters remains to be surveyed and chartered in modern ways. This is even if new technology is evolved using e.g. multibeam echosounders and the recent LIDAR (LIght Detection And Ranging), making ocean surveying much faster and more accurate than the old Captain Cook’s lead line measurements, still so predominant in presenting depth in our charts.
“Getting to know the ocean is the greatest mapping adventure of our times. Many underwater mountain ranges, volcanoes and canyonshave yet to be discovered and named” Dr Mathias Jonas, IHO Secretary General
To be able to overcome this problem every possible source of data is required for use. Everyone out on the waters, whether it’s a blue ocean or coastal navigator, can contribute in making our oceans not only safer to sail on but also in providing essential information. With better understanding, we can better address the environmental challenges we face. Correct chartered information has a fundamental impact in meeting these challenges.
Along with the IHO initiative, some other projects are focusing on developing clearer knowledge, to enhance understanding of our oceans’ bathymetric profile. The CSBWG works closely with initiatives like GEBCO Seabed 2030 (https://www.gebco.net/about_us/seabed2030_project/) to improve the situation of non-surveyed oceans.
Raymarine, a company within the Teledyne Technologies group of companies, has decided to also participate in this important work. It has a large number of users on the waters that could contribute with their data to this important initiative.
Some other CIRM members also participate but it would be very welcome if others would consider contributing as well. I am positive there are several members that have both the technical capacity and right sources from their customers to do so.
The marine navigation software and equipment manufacturers (both leisure and professional) have an opportunity to play a key role in helping to fill waste knowledge gaps, contribute to scientific research and improve navigational safety, which would in turn benefit both their customers and other mariners. Many of these companies’ equipment already provide the ability to collect data from integrated depth and position sensors. If CIRM members would enable and allow their customers to store, upload and make publicly available parameters such as depth and position, think of the impact that hundreds, if not thousands, of mariners could make in participating in the ongoing global efforts to map our ocean floor.
For further information please visit https://iho.int/en/communication-material
