Dr Hideo Nishida of the Japan Hydrographic Association wins the UKHO’s annual Alexander Dalrymple Award for his outstanding contribution to hydrography.
Dr Nishida has had a long and illustrious career with the Japan Coastguard, the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Japan Hydrographic & Oceanographic Department (JHOD). In particular, his work in reaction to natural disasters, during the tsunami and earthquake that hit Japan on 11 March 2011, was commended. The speedy and professional response of JHOD, under his leadership, was undoubtedly a major contributor to Japan’s remarkable recovery from this awful event.
His work demonstrates both the vital role that hydrography plays in recovering from natural disasters, and also the importance of collaboration between international hydrographic organisations. For example, Dr Nishida conceived the Japan Capacity Building Project. Now in its fourth year, the collaboration between JHOD, IHB and UKHO, annually trains cartographers to an international standard.
Dr Nishida attended the ceremony, telling the audience he was honoured to receive the award. UKHO Chief Executive Ian Moncrieff said that “Dr Nishida is a modest, selfless and consummately professional hydrographer with a world vision. He holds immense respect amongst the international hydrographic community well beyond his own region in which he is equally a legendary figure”
The UKHO celebrates World Hydrography Day by presenting the Alexander Dalrymple Award, in honour of the first serving hydrographer in the British Admiralty. The award is a symbol of recognition for outstanding dedication and contribution to world hydrography.