What is necessary to merge historic, current, and future hydrographic data?

Merging historic, current, and future hydrographic data requires a seamless vertical reference surface because this ensures that all datasets are aligned to a common frame of reference. Hydrographic surveys often use different datum or reference heights over time due to changes in tide levels, land elevation, or technologies used for measurement. By establishing a seamless vertical reference surface, surveyors can accurately compare and integrate data collected over different periods, regardless of the different methodologies or conditions under which they were collected.

This reference surface acts as a bridge, allowing for consistent interpretation of water depths and other critical measurements across various datasets. It enhances the accuracy and reliability of the combined data, which is essential for applications such as navigation, infrastructure development, and environmental management.

While the other choices may offer benefits in certain contexts, they do not directly contribute to the effective merging of disparate hydrographic datasets. A new satellite system could provide improved data collection capabilities, high-resolution sonar could enhance the quality of current surveys, and a centralized data database could facilitate data storage and access. However, without a common vertical reference, the integrity of the integrated data remains compromised.