Interview
10
Hydrographische Nachrichten
ing data we obtain a depth number, a contour line.
On the input side however, there is much more
information. We need to close this gap by presenting
the information we have. The dilemma is that
electronic sea charts use modern technology, but
the presentation of the contained Information remains
on the level of paper based charts. Conseguently,
the available data Is reduced; that Is true
not only for the topography but also for the reference
systems and the reduction of soundings. We
know far more about the current water level than
shown in the systems.
HN: Why don't you bring the knowledge together?
Jonas: So far, out of technical reasons we can only
put together separate data sets for certain applications.
In case we are able to achieve that for all
information sources, the result needs to be presented
differently than it is the case today. The current
presentation Is still based very much on the
paradigms of the paper based sea chart, which
emphasises the optical aspect. In future we will
define automatic processes that will Interpret data
contents and offer action plans. For this we have
to bring together technically all information and
make them interoperable.
HN: You regulate the IHO data formats in order to
be successful?
Jonas: Yes, this takes place in cartography, only to
a smaller extent in surveying. The Hydrographic
Standards and Service Committee (HSSC), which
manage, coordinate eight working groups, which
deal with the infrastructure of technical standards.
For a long time, specialists focused on electronic
sea charts: Data exchange, data presentation and
data encryption. Eleven years ago, we decided
to establish a universal hydrographic data model
called S-100. It will offer the possibility to present
data of all domains - ground topography, wind,
waves, sea disturbance, but as well weather and
traffic information - in one single data model. All
the information is available
in one device. I think In strategic
steps, as it is my task
to keep professionals motivated
so we don't lose the
common goal out of sight.
HN: There are people that
regard standards very sceptically.
What are your arguments
to convince them?
Jonas: Very often, standards
are pushed ahead by companies
and implemented with significant market
power. Our Intergovernmental organisation works
differently. Together with the industry we achieved
a worldwide common standard. There is no electronic
sea chart data producing state, which
doesn't stick to the standard. I am convinced that
this concept is applicable to other areas as well
with the aid of the universal hydrographic data
model, if the standard is technically manageable
and carried by the authority of the IHO.
»We have an increasing gap
between the information we
can survey and what we offer
on charts. We need to close
this gap by presenting the
information we have«
Mathias Jonas
HN: Your task is then to make the data mode
known to the different data suppliers?
Jonas: That's correct. My first success is that the
national Ice Services of the northern hemisphere
already use an S-100 compatible format for the sea
ice charts. Currently, I am in dialogue with the technical
specialists of the International Cable Protection
Committee (ICPC). The global data exchange
will depend on high-performance cable connections
across the oceans. For the cable layout, the
maintenance and operation an S-100 compatible
format could be very useful as well as for securing
and passing data.
HN: So you are serious about opening the current
concept of electronic sea charts to other user
groups?
Jonas: The popular notion that hydrography is for
navigation of surface seafaring only, is outdated,
want nothing less than all the physics of the sea
chart. This data set must include all relevant physical
characteristics of the ocean ground, water body
and the water surface dynamics. Furthermore, all
information on human activity above and under
water must be taken into account. From my point
of view this guiding principle should be the future
base for standardisation efforts of the IHO.
HN: The IHO wants to draw public attention to
hydrography with the »World Hydrography Day«.
What else can be done?
Jonas: I am not sure if we should address the pubic.
In view of our goals it could be more efficient
to contact the expert public, which deals professionally
with the ocean. We should convince them
to support our goals and solutions. Our aim must
be to use hydrography visibly. My project of the all
physical sea chart would be suitable and maybe
we are able to reposition hydrography in future
under the aspect »engineering the blue«.
HN: What do you expect of the DHyG?
Jonas: I really enjoy paying my contribution to the
DHyG; the Hydrographische Nachrichten alone are
worth It. The society works on a very high professional
level as can be seen in the organisation of
this year's HYDRO conference and the annual newcomer
awarding. Maybe the DHyG could intensify
its contact to the International industry with the
aim to make the technology site Germany more
popular and attract students to study hydrography
at the HCU.
HN: How do you write a course book - The Electronic
Chart - i n a tea m?
Jonas: We started in 1998 with a German version.
Beforehand, all the authors discussed which topics
to choose, how to deal with overlapping and
repetitions and howto link the chapters. We talked
about an author's freedom and decided in how far
we accept something, which doesn't fit Into one's
own point of view. We started this tasks based on
honesty. For the announced fourth edition, we
included into our team two young experts from
Germany and England. We belong to three generations
now. One, which conceptually developed
