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", approved by the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) Member States in November 2002:

"That branch of applied sciences which deals with the measurement and description of the features of the sea and coastal areas for the primary purpose of navigation and all other marine purposes and activities including (inter alia) offshore activities, research, protection of the environment and prediction services."