AT THE EDGE

2024 Conference Chair

Stefan Stimson

On behalf of the Australasian Hydrographic Society (AHS), I invite you to join us at the 'Hydrospatial: At the Edge" conference & trade exhibition at the Hotel Grand Chancellor in nipaluna/Hobart, lutruwita/Tasmania, from 9 to 12 April 2024.

The Conference theme 'At the Edge" represents not only the island state's location in the Southern Ocean, but also the cutting edge science and technology that we employ every day in the hydrospatial field. Focusing on the future of hydrography, and emerging developments and techniques, Hydrospatial 2024 will bring together speakers from varying maritime fields including: specialist hydrographic streams, maritime transport, oceanography, research organisations, offshore exploration, environmental science, maritime heritage, defence, tourism, coastal development, ports and harbours, Law of the Sea, and government.

Hydrography remains a fundamental driver to the world's and regional economies, and with the geo-political landscape within the Asia-Pacific region changing, the successful roll out of HydroScheme Industry Partnership Program around Australia, and with the strong traditional and renewable resource rich oceans around our coasts to name a few drivers, the need for professional hydrographic surveyors, supported by cutting edge technology, has never been greater. The desire to go further offshore, measure deeper, collect more data, more accurately, and to do so quicker, is driving technologies for both vessel based and autonomous systems. This international and regional event seeks to gain insight into these systems, and the effects and opportunities that may arise.

The venue overlooks what is now the modern day port of nipaluna/Hobart, established in 1803 on traditional Muwinina land where the Muwinina people once collected shellfish, that leads into the scenic timtumili minanya, or River Derwent. As gateway to the Southern Ocean and Antarctica, nipaluna/Hobart is home to Australia's only blue water research vessel, CSIRO's RV Investigator, and the new 160m icebreaker, Australian Antarctic Divisions RSV Nuyina - both fitted with the latest state of the art hydrospatial systems.

Nestled amongst the foothills of the 1,271m high kunanyi/Mt Wellington, this small city is bursting with a huge variety of experiences and has something for everyone. nipaluna/Hobart offers the perfect blend of spectacular landscapes, picturesque waterways, rugged mountains, captivating history and unique cultural and gourmet experiences. nipaluna/Hobart is a small city bursting with beauty, charm and big ideas - come for the conference, stay on for your soul.

In addition to the trade exhibition, we plan on welcoming more than 150 delegates from both this region and overseas. With our focus on the Asia-Pacific region, many of us will find opportunities for cooperation and relationships and, of course, renewing acquaintanceships. The Australasian Hydrographic Society (http://www.ahs.asn.au) looks forward welcoming you and your colleagues to Hydrospatial 2024. And I look forward to giving you a warm Tassie welcome.