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 present 
ing the information we have. The dilemma is that 
electronic sea charts use modern technology, but 
the presentation of the contained Information re 
mains on the level of paper based charts. Conse- 
guently, the available data Is reduced; that Is true 
not only for the topography but also for the refer 
ence 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 appli 
cations. In case we are able to achieve that for all 
information sources, the result needs to be pre 
sented differently than it is the case today. The cur 
rent 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 stra 
tegic steps, as it is my task 
to keep professionals moti 
vated so we don't lose the 
common goal out of sight. 
HN: There are people that 
regard standards very scep 
tically. What are your argu 
ments to convince them? 
Jonas: Very often, standards 
are pushed ahead by com 
panies and implemented with significant market 
power. Our Intergovernmental organisation works 
differently. Together with the industry we achieved 
a worldwide common standard. There is no elec 
tronic 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 tech 
nical specialists of the International Cable Protec 
tion Committee (ICPC). The global data exchange 
will depend on high-performance cable connec 
tions 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 cur 
rent 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 physi 
cal 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 pub 
ic. In view of our goals it could be more efficient 
to contact the expert public, which deals profes 
sionally 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 profes 
sional level as can be seen in the organisation of 
this year's HYDRO conference and the annual new 
comer 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 hydrogra 
phy at the HCU. 
HN: How do you write a course book - The Elec 
tronic Chart - i n a tea m? 
Jonas: We started in 1998 with a German version. 
Beforehand, all the authors discussed which top 
ics 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 gen 
erations now. One, which conceptually developed