Who We Are

The Hydrographic Society of America (THSOA) is a non-profit professional membership organization, whose primary focus is to provide support to its members in the Americas. THSOA was incorporated in the State of Maryland, U.S.A. as a non-profit organization in 1984 and was granted 501(c)(3) status as a non-profit organization by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service in 1985. THSOA was formed April 1, 1974.

THSOA celebrated its' 42-year presence in the United States on April 1, 2016. Local chapters have been formed in Houston, Southeast (Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida), West Coast (Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and California), Mid West (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota & Wisconsin), National Capital (Washington DC and surrounding areas) and Latin America (encompassing Mexico, the Caribbean and through to Chile and Argentina). Our total membership now stands at 600+.

On odd numbered years THSOA hosts the U.S Hydrographic Conference which alternates with the Canadian Hydrographic Conference (held on even years). THSOA was the co-organizer, with NOAA's Office of Coast Survey of the original US Hydro Conferences which were held held from 1984-1994. In 1999 THSOA organized the "reborn" US Hydro event. The US conference draws national and international exhibitors and attendees. 15 different international members were represented at US Hydro 2015. Hydrographic Societies from around the world are welcomed to attend at THSOA member rates.

In recent years we have worked very hard to strengthen our already strong ties with the Canadian Hydrographic Association (CHA; See also Links and References). We now offer a reciprocal arrangement on Exhibiting and Registration fees for our respective annual conferences.

THSOA is recognized as an Observer by the International Hydrographic Organization, an Intergovernmental Organization of maritime nations involved in hydrography and nautical cartography.

THSOA National Bylaws.pdf

Our Mission

As a non-profit organization, THSOA is committed to promoting education in hydrography, inshore surveying, inland waters surveying, offshore surveying, positioning and mapping/charting, including related earth sciences.

Our Objectives

• To enable engineers, technologists and others engaged in or interested in hydrography and related sciences to meet, correspond, promote, encourage and coordinate the study of such sciences in all or any of their aspects.
• To accumulate, extend, increase, disseminate and publish information and knowledge relating thereto and to facilitate the exchange of information, knowledge and ideas on all subjects and related matters of interest in hydrography.
• To encourage research in hydrography and the application of technological knowledge developed.
  
• To promote better education and training of persons engaged in or intending to engage in the study of hydrography and related sciences.
• To provide a center in the Americas for bringing together relevant issues.
• To promote public awareness of hydrography.
• To provide opportunities for Continuing Professional Development in conjunction with U.S. Hydrographic Conferences.