Advancing global geospatial integration with UN-IGIF-Hydro

The UN-GGIM Committee of Experts has formally endorsed Part Two of the Operational Framework for Integrated Marine Geospatial Information Management (UN-IGIF-Hydro) during its 13th session. This endorsement, coupled with the adoption of both Part One and Part Two, marks a significant milestone as they together constitute the comprehensive UN-IGIF-Hydro. This momentous decision was made at the UN-GGIM Committee of Experts meeting held in early August 2023 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

The UN-IGIF-Hydro is strategically crafted to seamlessly integrate the marine domain into the broader geospatial information ecosystem. This framework stands as an invaluable resource catering to both burgeoning and well-established geospatial programmes. Its purpose is to facilitate the realization of the strategic pathways outlined in the UN-IGIF for the marine domain. By doing so, it plays a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless integration, credibility and accessibility of marine environmental data. It is no surprise, then, that this initiative has garnered resounding support as part of the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (UN Ocean Decade).

At the heart of the UN-IGIF-Hydro framework lies a profound acknowledgment of the significance of hydrography and ocean mapping as crucial contributors to various other geospatial domains.

Global engagement and unwavering commitment

The realization of the complete UN-IGIF-Hydro is the culmination of years of dedicated collaboration, global engagement and unwavering commitment from the UN-GGIM Working Group on Marine Geospatial Information. This achievement is the outcome of an exhaustive process, which encompassed a comprehensive three-month global consultation and review phase, the formulation of a detailed White Paper, numerous iterations of drafting group meetings, and the successful execution of two testing workshops.

A distinguishing feature of the UN-IGIF-Hydro is its dynamic nature. The Working Group remains steadfastly devoted to its maintenance and will continue to offer guidance to those embarking on its implementation journey.

Representing the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) was Dr John Nyberg, the director-elect of the Technical Programme. Dr Nyberg is poised to assume his responsibilities on 1 September 2023, contributing his expertise to further advance the objectives of this initiative.