Guide on IHR 23: Insights and Analysis
The latest edition of the International Hydrographic Review (IHR), the oldest scientific publication within the hydrographic community, is dedicated to honouring the life and work of Dr. Salem Masry, a beloved member of the community who passed away earlier this year. Dr. David Wells, a long-time friend, contributed a touching obituary for Dr. Masry, which is a significant contribution to this edition.
The hydrographic community is mourning the loss of Dr. Masry, who made significant contributions to the field. His obituary, written by Dr. Wells, provides a heartfelt tribute to his life and work. The IHR is deeply saddened by his passing and is committed to continuing his legacy through its work.
In addition to honouring Dr. Masry, this edition of the IHR includes three articles and two notes on various relevant topics. The first article discusses the application of two safety of navigation risk assessment techniques in Trinidadian waters. The second article focuses on the use of optical satellite imagery to detect vortex structures in turbid waters. The third article is about the creation of a Baltic Sea Chart Datum, a task completed by the members of the Baltic Sea Hydrographic Commission.
The IHR is also undergoing changes to follow the new IHO branding scheme. These changes aim to increase the quality and quantity of articles and notes in the IHR. The Editor of IHR is adapting to social distancing guidelines, stay at home orders, and other constraints due to the pandemic, but is committed to maintaining high standards for papers.
The hydrographic community has been substantially impacted by the pandemic, but is adapting, innovating, and finding ways to get the job done. The second note captures the impact of Tropical Cyclone IDAI on the hydrographic capability of Mozambique. The hydrographic community is reflecting on the impact of Dr. Masry's life and work following his passing.
The first note continues the discussion of "hydrospatial" as a new term to represent digital hydrographic relationships. The Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping/Joint Hydrographic Center's updates on hydrographic survey specifications also indicate ongoing efforts to improve data quality and methodologies that underpin publications in related journals.
The Editor of IHR, Alberto Costa Neves, served as Acting Editor and is appreciated for his efforts during a difficult period. The IHR aims to increase the quality and quantity of articles and notes in the IHR, adapt workflows to remote operations, and maintain high standards for papers. These efforts collectively support the journal’s goals to expand its impact and relevance in hydrography.
[1] Increasing quality and quantity of articles: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-22892-9 [2] Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping/Joint Hydrographic Center's updates: https://ccom.unh.edu/news/2020/03/16/hydrographic-survey-specifications-update-released [3] Adapting to remote operations: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-020-2295-z [4] Maintaining high paper standards: https://www.cell.com/trends/ecology-evolution/fulltext/S0169-5347(14)00111-2
[1] To preserve the safety of navigation and uphold the legacy of Dr. Masry, the International Hydrographic Review (IHR) is focusing on increasing the quality and quantity of articles, as seen in the application of two safety of navigation risk assessment techniques in Trinidadian waters.
[2] Beyond hydrography, the health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and science communities can learn from the IHR's adaptation to remote operations, where they apply technology to maintain high standards for papers. This is demonstrated through the Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping/Joint Hydrographic Center's updates on hydrographic survey specifications.
