Collectively,
within the Coast and Geodetic Survey
the interlocking activities required to acquire data for producing
nautical charts has been termed "hydrographic surveying". Those who
conduct hydrographic surveys are hydrographers. Historically the hydrographer
has had to be familiar with the disciplines of geodesy, oceanography,
marine geology, cartography, navigation, and seamanship; for much
of this century knowledge of the added disciplines of electronics
and computer science has become increasingly necessary. Nautical charting
work is a team effort that requires dedicated personnel who are willing
to work together from the smallest boat and shore parties, through
ships'crews, to the whole organization including chart compilers,
cartographers, and press operators. This is necessary to maintain
the standards of accuracy required for successful charting as recording
of data, calibration of instruments, and final plotting of values
must all be done with the utmost care and skill.
Since the very
first days of the Coast Survey under Ferdinand Hassler, the sense
that every individual number or feature on a chart is of great importance
has been a hallmark of the organization. This organizational value
has carried through to today and has served the commerce and defense
of our Nation. Hundreds of billions of tons of cargo and millions
of passengers have been safely transported on ships navigating with
Coast and Geodetic Survey charts. Thousands of transits have been
safely made by United States Navy ships, Coast Guard ships, and Army
transports while using Coast and Geodetic Survey charts.
Come join the
chartmakers of the Coast and Geodetic Survey on their small ships
and boats, casting the lead and operating their electronic sounding
systems, establishing their navigation signals and stations, recording
the rise and fall of the tide, measuring the tidal currents, and producing
their final product - the nautical chart.
