CARTOGRAPHIC TRAINING - United Kingdom Hydrographic Office

UKHO CARTOGRAPHIC TRAINING
A BRIEF HISTORY OF
THE UNITED KINGDOM
HYDROGRAPHIC OFFICE
‘Charting the world for over 200 years’
The present work of the UKHO is built upon the long history and unstinting and dedicated
effort of over two centuries in hydrographic surveying and chart production. Famous names,
and many others who laboured unknown, have contributed to the unending worldwide effort
to chart the seas.
The first Hydrographer to the Admiralty, Alexander Dalrymple FRS, was appointed by order of
King George III in 1795. He set to work reviewing the difficulties and dangers to his Majesty’s
Fleet in the navigation of ships. Subsequent Hydrographers have continued to lead the world
in the techniques of surveying, hydrography and cartography.
As Britannia ruled the waves during the second half of the nineteenth century, the skills of
surveying and chart production were consolidated and world coverage increased. During the
twentieth century, the demands of two World Wars gave impetus to technical innovations in
instruments and surveying techniques.
In 2004, the Production Systems Programme (PSP) was initiated. This will provide, through a
series of projects over the coming years, a new integrated production system built around a
master hydrographic database capable of delivering an enhanced capability for the production
of hydrographic products and services.
Currently UKHO has approved a Bursary Scheme which will make a significant contribution to
the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) capacity building programme. The United
Kingdom Hydrographic Office currently holds ISO9001:2000 certification, including TickIT covering
IT aspects, and has its Investor in People status confirmed following a successful re-accreditation.
2 Q U A L I T Y - S A F E T Y - I N T E G R I T Y