The industry's recognized authority for design, engineering and application of equipment and services in the global ocean community
Issue link: http://sea-technology.epubxp.com/i/461521
www.sea-technology.com February 2015 / st 41 T he Hydrographic Society of America (TH- SOA) will be hosting U.S. Hydro 2015 at the Gaylord National Hotel in National Harbor, Maryland, from March 16 to 19. U.S. Hydro is North America's premier hy- drographic conference, and it is the largest hy- drographic conference in the U.S.A. hosted by a nonproft organization. Background The Hydrographic Society of America was founded in 1984 to promote education in hy- drography. Our activities include the formation of local chapters to promote hydrographic ac- tivities and hands-on training, scholarships for undergraduate students, and U.S. Hydro, a bi- ennial conference bringing together research- ers from the public and private sectors with industry leaders. Technical Session U.S. Hydro 2015's technical session will include papers, lightning rounds and a poster session featuring more than 50 presentations on research and innovations in hydrography. The technical session is divided into seven themes: Advanc- es in Unmanned System Technology; Coastal and Ocean Mapping Initiatives; Harbor and Channel Maintenance; Li- dar and Sonar Data; Multidiscipline Applications and Ben- efts of Hydrography; Nautical Charting and e-Navigation; and New Hydrographic Systems, Software and Techniques. Technical presentations will be supplemented by light- ning-round talks, and a juried poster session is open to un- dergraduate and graduate students. Exhibit The exhibit hall will be home to 60 booths with the lat- est equipment and software for hydrographic surveying. This year, a special section will feature "hydropreneurs" who are bringing new services and ideas to the industry. Twenty company-led trainings and workshops, and on-water dem- onstrations will be on offer by U.S. government agencies and private companies that deal with surveying activities. Speakers The keynote speakers Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.); RAdm. Gerd Glang, director of NOAA's Offce of Coast Survey; and RAdm. Timothy Gallaudet, commander of Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, will open the conference, visit the exhibits, and induct the second class into THSOA's Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame was created to honor hydrographers who have made signifcant contributions to hydrographic science, or hydrographic equipment, and to THSOA. Student Outreach and Hydro Day U.S. Hydro continues THSOA's mission of promoting education in hydrography by bringing together 20 undergraduate students for "Intro to Hydro Day," which will provide a comprehensive overview of hydrography and related careers. Students participate fully in the conference and have the opportunity to network with professionals and employers in the feld. Certifcation Exam Hydrographers may take the NSPS/THSOA Hydrogra- pher Certifcation exam on March 16. Exam preparation will be offered to attendees of U.S. Hydro 2015, but conference registration is not required to take the exam. Social Program A special feature of U.S. Hydro 2015 is our social pro- gram, offering sightseeing opportunities to spouses, partners and children of conference attendees, including tours of the nation's capital and a visit to Mount Vernon, the home of President George Washington. For details and registration, visit www.ushydro2015.com. Sponsors, Partners U.S. Hydro wishes to thank our sponsors and media part- ners: C & C Technologies, Inc. (Lafayette, Louisiana); CARIS (Fredericton, Canada; Alexandria, Virginia); Esri (Redlands, US Hydro ST Conference Preview