What is an Australian Hydrographer?

Australian Hydrographers monitor, measure, analyse and describe the earth’s surface and groundwater resources and many aspects of the water cycle, including human use of water resources.

While hydrographers can be separated between primarily terrestrial (land based) or oceanographic (sea based) a number of hydrographers also work at the interface of land and sea. Many hydrographic concepts and technologies are common to both branches of the profession.

Hydrographers in Australasia are also known as field hydrologists and hydrometric technicians

The Australian Hydrographers Association primarily represents terrestrial hydrographers who measure all aspects of the water cycle, including human use, interaction and management of water resources but also includes members with maritime backgrounds.

While surface waters include oceans, seas, rivers, lakes, estuaries and the water in channels and pipes, hydrographers also collect and analyse information in regards to groundwater resources, meteorlogy as well as water quality data and information.

The data and information obtained by hydrographers is used, amongst other things, to:

• design dams, weirs, bridges, irrigation projects, water supply schemes, sewerage systems, flood protection works, warning services and marine facilities.
• provide quality information and water data to the nations water managers for effective management of the Australia’s water resources both for human use as well as the environment

Australian Hydrographers perform a wide variety of tasks and functions in there evryday working life. Here are just some of the activities that Australian Hydrographers can be involved in:

• select, install, calibrate, maintain and repair instruments which monitor water levels and flow, meteorology, sediments and water quality;
• design, construct, install and maintain civil works associated with hydrographic activities;
• collect sample data at various locations to confirm data gathered by automatic monitors;
• use underwater acoustic equipment to establish and monitor tidal data; outline coastlines;
• measure seabed, lakebed and reservoir depths and siltation;
• search for underwater obstacles in oceans or lakes;
• site reports and surveys;
• analyse and prepare data for use by other professionals and
• archive and quality control collected data and information.

Hydrographers work a percentage of their time in offices undertaking computer based water data evaluation and analysis.

Their field expeditions can find them on foot, horseback, underground, on ships, in four-wheel-drives, in boats, planes or helicopters. The experiences of hydrographers are wide and varied!