Hydrography has its foundations in charting for safe navigation but with the growth in exploration for offshore hydrocarbon resources expanded to provide precise positioning (pre-GPS) for exploration and construction. Surveyors’ knowledge of mathematics & physics applied to geodesy & acoustics made them crucial in the development of resources and this has continued to mapping the coastal zone, marine planning & renewable energy development. Multiple satellite constellations may have made horizontal positioning more reliable but the technological tools have increased with multi-beam echo sounding, terrestrial & airborne laser scanning, & advances with unmanned vehicles. Nevertheless, port construction, charting & safe operations remain at the heart of hydrography.

The Hydrography Special Interest Group takes the form of a joint hydrographic advisory panel established with the Hydrographic Society and will focus primarily on:

• Effects of resource exploitation
• Conservation schemes
• Marine infrastructures
• Commercial and recreational boat traffic
• Maritime defence
• Modelling environmental disasters
• Scientific research

The SIG also aims to contribute to the work of the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) at which the IMarEST has observer status. The aim of the IHO is to ensure that all the world's seas, oceans and navigable waters are surveyed and charted and the mission is to create a global environment in which States provide adequate and timely hydrographic data, products and services and ensure their widest possible use.