The naval forces’ marine and geological mapping sector has made important contributions to waterway safety and the protection of sea sovereignty; however, it was still in its early stages compared with other nations such as the UK, France and Russia. — Photo tuoitre.vn

HÀ NỘI — The naval forces’ marine and geological mapping sector has made important contributions to waterway safety and the protection of sea sovereignty; however, it was still in its early stages compared with other nations such as the UK, France and Russia.

The statement was made by Khương Văn Long, an official from the naval forces’ staff, at a conference on applying advanced technologies in marine mapping on Thursday in Hà Nội.

To meet development requirements in the era of advanced science and technology and bring the country’s capabilities in line with the rest of the region and the world, he said the marine mapping industry needs a clear plan and appropriate investment.

From 1992 onwards, the naval forces’ marine and geological mapping sector has significant developments in professional skills and technology.

Marine maps published since 1992 have been made using new editorial technologies, including computers to calculate co-ordinate system conversions, he said.

Long said countries around the world are beginning to pay much more attention to marine mapping.

Learning from the practices of established countries in the industry such as Russia, France, Australia and India, the naval forces crafted an effective plan to survey marine environments.

Under the plan, the naval forces will modernise their equipment and facilities and look into further changes, said Long.

It will collect data on the seabed topography of the East Sea to build maps and meet the technical demands of the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO). It will also conduct research into marine geophysics and oceanography for both scientific and military purposes.

The marine mapping industry will widen its co-operation with different marine research institutes and members of the IHO towards diversifying its products and meeting international standards, said Long. Priority will be given to projects on socio-economic development and the protection of natural resources and the environment. — VNS