The Instituto Hidrográfico de la Marina (IHM; literally "Hydrographic Institute of the Navy") is a Spanish institution with responsibilities in the fields of hydrography,

geodesy Geodesy ( ) is the Earth science of accurately measuring and understanding Earth's figure (geometric shape and size), orientation in space, and gravity. The field also incorporates studies of how these properties change over time and equivale ...

and

photogrammetry Photogrammetry is the science and technology of obtaining reliable information about physical objects and the environment through the process of recording, measuring and interpreting photographic images and patterns of electromagnetic radiant ima ...

, cartography, navigation and

oceanography Oceanography (), also known as oceanology and ocean science, is the scientific study of the oceans. It is an Earth science, which covers a wide range of topics, including ecosystem dynamics; ocean currents, waves, and geophysical fluid dynamic ...

History

The IHM was created via 30 December 1943 Law published on 1 January 1940, establishing it as a military body depending on the . Fernando Balén García was appointed as first director of the IHM on 1 July 1944, serving for 22 years at the post. Via a 1970 decree, the IHM was entrusted with ensuring the safety of navigation, obtaining and disseminating information on the sea and coastline, and contributing to the progress of nautical science. The headquarters of the IHM are located in Cádiz, in San Severiano. The IHM is the Spanish representative at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO).

References

;Citations ;Bibliography * Government agencies of Spain National hydrographic offices {{Spain-mil-stub