Military cartography in Russia can disappear

Over the past 20 years, the military hydrography and cartography in Russia virtually does not develop. Moreover, the amount of highly skilled professionals, whose average age is over 60-years, drops off.

The situation with military mapping and navigation does not develop in any direction. According to the Higher Naval School annually graduate only 6 or 8 hydrographs. If earlier there was the Hydrographic Department, then over time it was combined with a Navigator Department.

Experts say that the military marine cartography is "afloat" if the amount of maps issued will equal 400 copies a year, and to develop the science more than 600 pieces are required. For reference, the USSR Hydrographic Office created each year about 550 copies on certain orders and approximately 300 copies to solve future problems, and in Russia today – only 300.

Military cartography can not "move forward" in many respects due to the fact that expeditions to obtain relevant data are not carried out, that are the main basis for military maps. In the disposal of the Hydrographic department there were more than 400 research vessels. Currently, only about 30 units are cruising along the coast, and the last expedition took place back in 1988.

Collected during the Soviet era data became archival. Nevertheless, military hydrographers provided important information to be processed. For example, in the Arctic were conducted unique studies to find points of ascent and routes for the submarines. Till today, the most vessels and icebreakers use maps of the Arctic Ocean, compiled on the basis of military maps.

Military hydrography is very important for Russia to face the problems associated with the study of the Arctic trail and search of safe shipping lanes.

Hydrographic Service of the Navy was founded back in 1827 and was under the ferule of the czar.