Hydrographic Records

The Australian Hydrographic Office maintains the national hydrographic data collection. This collection has been created from the accumulation of charts, surveys and other related information used in providing the national navigation chart series. Together, with material supplied by other agencies the collection is the most comprehensive hydrographic dataset available for the Australian area. Information in the collection includes:

  • Depth Data
  • Maritime boundaries
  • Names
  • Navigational Marks, Lights and Buoyage
  • Tides and Tidal Streams
  • Wrecks

Records include copies of original Admiralty surveys, some dating back to the 19th century, together with all RAN surveys and numerous other plans, reports and documents which have been used in the creation of Australian navigation charts. Most of the records are in manuscript form as plans charts and papers; some of the more modern survey records, particularly depths are recorded in digital as well as analogue form. The hydrographic records collection is a valuable source of material for research, historical and other purposes and has been drawn upon for many years. Requests can be made for access to material from the collection or for information related to it. If the material is available it can be provided under a licence agreement. Fees may be charged depending on the intended use of the material.

For further information regarding the collection or the availability of material please contact Licensing Manager or feel free to read the Licensing & Copyright page for licensing details.

Phone: 02 4223 6500
Fax: 02 4223 6599
E-mail: hydro.licensing@defence.gov.au