What Is Hydrography? - Definition

Hydrography is the branch of geography that is responsible for the study of bodies of water, both above and below the Earth's surface. It mainly focuses on cartographic description, i.e. location description and mapping of bodies of water. This scientific discipline analyzes the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of bodies of water, as well as their distribution, movement and relationship with the environment.

Hydrographers are professionals specialized in this field of study. They investigate various bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, oceans, seas, glaciers and underground aquifers. Their work includes the measurement of variables such as the flow of rivers, the level of lakes, the salinity of seas and water quality, among others.

One of the main applications of hydrography is the preparation of hydrographic maps, data essential for maritime navigation. These maps detail the depth of the water, the location of hazards such as reefs or sandbars, and the characteristics of currents and tides.

Learn more about how water and land are studied with our article asking what are the main types of relief?

Hydrography studies a wide variety of bodies of water. These include everything from rivers and lakes to oceans, seas, glaciers and groundwater. Each of these water bodies has specific characteristics that require different methods and approaches for their study.

This discipline intersects with other areas of science such as geology, meteorology, biology and chemistry. For example, to understand the water cycle it is necessary to understand the geological and meteorological processes that influence the formation of rivers and lakes.

Hydrologists use a variety of techniques and tools to measure and analyze the characteristics of bodies of water. Among these tools we find the use of sensors, satellites, monitoring stations and computational models to collect data on:

• Water levels
• Currents
• Temperatures
• Salinity
• Water quality

Hydrography is fundamental for the sustainable management of water resources. It includes the planning and administration of water use in activities such as agriculture, industry and urban supply, as well as the conservation of aquatic ecosystems.

Learn more about the economic approach to oceanic conservation with our article on what is the blue economy?

Hydrography is divided into several specialized branches, each focusing on different aspects of the study of bodies of water. These branches allow a more detailed and in-depth focus on specific areas, facilitating a better understanding and management of water resources:

Surface hydrology

This branch focuses on the study of surface waters, such as rivers, lakes and streams. Surface hydrologists analyze the flow and distribution of water, runoff processes, the formation of watersheds and the impact of climatic and geological factors on surface water bodies.

Learn about a geographical features often studied in hydrography with our article on how river deltas are formed.

Hydrogeology

Hydrogeology is dedicated to the study of groundwater. It examines the distribution and movement of water beneath the Earth's surface, often focusing on aquifers and groundwater recharge and discharge. The interaction between groundwater and surface water is also an important topic of research.

Discover the different types of aquifers studied in hydrography with our related guide.

Oceanography

Oceanography is the branch of hydrography that deals with the study of oceans and seas. This is a vast study which is not necessarily accurate to say oceanography is a branch of hydrography. In practice, it is more the other way around. We explain what is halocline in oceanography with a related guide.

Limnology

It focuses on the study of non-oceanic continental waters, such as lakes, reservoirs, swamps and ponds. Limnologists investigate the physical, chemical and biological properties of these bodies of water, as well as their dynamics and ecology.

Hydrometry

Hydrometry is dedicated to the quantitative measurement and analysis of the properties of water. It includes the evaluation of parameters such as river flow, water levels in lakes and reservoirs, precipitation, evapotranspiration and water quality.

Hydrography is of vital importance for several reasons. These range from broadening our scientific knowledge to practical management of water resources:

• Water resource management: hydrography provides the data necessary for the efficient management of water resources such as planning water use in agriculture, industry and domestic consumption. Doing so best ensures an adequate and sustainable supply. Learn more about this difficult process in our article where we ask what are water resources?
• Navigation and transportation: hydrographic maps are essential for the safe navigation of vessels in seas, oceans, rivers and lakes.
• Natural disaster prevention and mitigation: hydrography helps predict and manage water-related natural disasters such as floods, droughts, tsunamis and hurricanes.
• Environmental conservation: by studying the characteristics and dynamics of water bodies, measures can be implemented to protect biodiversity, restore degraded habitats and control pollution.
• Public health: water quality is an important factor for public health. Hydrological studies make it possible to identify and control sources of water pollution, best ensuring the water available for human consumption is safe.

Although hydrography and hydrology are closely related and often used interchangeably, they actually refer to different areas of study within the realm of water sciences.

Hydrography

A scientific discipline which focuses on the description and mapping of Earth's bodies of water. Its main objective is to provide detailed information on the location, depth, extent and characteristics of rivers, lakes, seas and oceans.

Hydrographers work on creating hydrographic maps that are essential for maritime and river navigation. These maps include crucial data such as water depths, locations of obstacles and hazards, currents, tides and other aspects important to the safety and efficiency of water transportation.

Hydrology

It is the science that studies the water cycle and its processes. Hydrologists analyze how water moves through the hydrological cycle, including evaporation, condensation, precipitation, infiltration and runoff. It focuses on understanding the distribution and movement of water in the atmosphere, on the Earth's surface and in the subsurface.

Hydrology also investigates the interaction between water and the environment, as well as its impact on natural and human systems. This field is essential for water resource management, land use planning, forecasting and mitigation of natural disasters such as floods and droughts and protecting water quality.

Now you know better what hydrography is, its characteristics, branches and importance, we encourage you to learn more about aquatic geographic features with our articles on what is a stream and what are coastlines in geography?

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