UN Group of Experts 1978

"...there can be no exploitation of marine resources without exploration and there can be no exploration without hydrography."

Definition of "Hydrography", adopted by the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) Member States in June 2009:

"Hydrography is the branch of applied sciences which deals with the measurement and description of the physical features of oceans, seas, coastal areas, lakes and rivers, as well as with the prediction of their change over time, for the primary purpose of safety of navigation and in support of all other marine activities, including economic development, security and defence, scientific research and environmental protection."