Back History Centuries ago, explorers began braving the open seas with little to guide them except the stars and their own faith. After this tentative beginning, and within a comparatively short time, the oceans assumed great importance. A nation's wealth was measured by its commercial shipping, and its strength by the size of its navy. Still, the unanswered questions of what conditions might be encountered on a voyage, or what to expect upon the hoped for landfall, made the seafaring man a symbol of adventure--and danger. Clearly, the navigator, with sparse information about prevailing winds and currents, water depths, coastal landmarks, or the likelihood of fog and other adverse weather conditions, needed more thorough and accurate records for safe sailing. Gradually a few commercial agencies began selling navigational charts, but these were often out of date, inaccurate, and incomplete. In 1830 the U.S. Navy established the Depot of Charts and Instruments, with the original idea of maintaining a supply of navigational instruments and nautical charts for issue to naval vessels. But it soon became apparent that the Depot would be unable to obtain and maintain an adequate supply of the latest data unless the Depot itself undertook production of charts from their own surveys. In 1837 four engraved charts were published from the results of a survey by Lieutenant Charles Wilkes, who later gained great fame as leader of the U.S. Exploring Expedition. This expedition ranged over the eastern Atlantic to Antarctica, the coasts of both Americas, and far into the west and southwest Pacific. It inaugurated the United States collection of world magnetic data and contributed substantially to hydrographic, meteorological, botanical, and geological knowledge of the regions explored. During the succeeding five years, 87 similar charts were published and issued from the results of surveys by Wilkes and his officers. These individual surveys, however, were naturally limited in their scope; what was needed was a way to gather information quickly and on a worldwide basis. The answer to this dilemma was supplied by a naval officer who became known as "The Pathfinder of the Seas," Matthew Fontaine Maury. Commander Maury, who held the position of Hydrographer of the Navy from 1842 until 1861, is credited with founding the science of oceanography, and his system for collecting and using oceanographic data revolutionized navigation of the seas. Maury assumed command of the Navy's Depot of Charts and Instruments (from which the Naval Oceanographic Office evolved) in 1842. Possessing an active, scientific mind, he immediately recognized possibilities for expanding the services of the Depot. He suggested that, if all shipmasters would submit reports of their experiences to some central agency, the data could be digested, compiled, and published for the immense benefit of all. This idea became the basic formula of hydrographic offices throughout the world, making Maury's contributions a milestone in naval oceanography. Within five years, 26 million reports poured into the Depot, which originally had been intended only as a storehouse of charts and instruments. In 1854 the agency was given the official name of The U.S. Naval Observatory and Hydrographical Office, and in 1866 an Act of Congress separated the two functions, establishing the Hydrographic Office as a distinct activity. By this time the Office's mission had expanded to include "the carrying out of surveys, the collection of information, and the printing of every kind of nautical chart or publication." The Office continued to grow throughout the nineteenth century. By the turn of the century, pleasure cruises had become a popular form of vacationing; but suddenly the attention of the world was drawn to a new danger to navigation--ice. The collision of the Titanic with an iceberg in 1912 prompted the Hydrographic Office to urge that an ice patrol be established to document sea-ice hazards to prevent such disasters. This was the beginning of what is today sophisticated, high-tech methods of surveying, measuring, and recording ice thickness, ice-ridge profiles, and other characteristics to monitor ocean-ice conditions above and below the surface. Because features and conditions of the world's oceans are constantly changing, surveying, charting, and mapping must be continuous processes. Experiences during World War I showed the need for greater accuracy for oceanographic data. By 1922, responding to these needs, the Navy had developed the first practical sonic sounding machine, making it possible to surpass all previous efforts in deep-sea sounding and bathymetric charting. Aerial photography was used for the first time that year. Following Pearl Harbor, the demands for charts increased to about 40 times the normal pre-war rate. The Hydrographic Office was moved to more adequate facilities at Suitland, Maryland, about six miles from the nation's Capitol building, and was placed under the cognizance of the Chief of Naval Operations to ensure that its activities were geared directly to vital programs concerning national security. Soon additional survey vessels were obtained, each equipped to conduct surveys and produce printed charts aboard ship in a minimum of time to keep up with fleet advances across the Pacific. At the peak of World War II, 43 million charts were printed and issued in one year. The Hydrographic Office was redesignated the U.S. Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO) in 1962, and in 1976 the Office was relocated to the National Aeronautic and Space Administration's Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, approximately 50 miles from New Orleans, Louisiana, and 20 miles from the Mississippi Gulf Coast. NAVOCEANO currently shares Stennis Space Center with 22 other Federal and State agencies as well as extension offices of numerous Mississippi and Louisiana universities. NAVOCEANO employs approximately 1,000 people, military and civilian, who support oceanographic requirements around the globe. As we move into the 21st century, NAVOCEANO once again responds to changing needs. With the end of the Cold War, the focus has shifted from deep-water to coastal regions; in turn, NAVOCEANO has tailored its products to meet these requirements and is accomplishing these missions, and facing new challenges, with the same energy and determination as our predecessors. As impressive as past accomplishments are, we look forward with confidence to meeting the challenges of the future. For more information please contact the Public Affairs Office . Return to Public Affairs Suggestion or comments? Privacy and Security Notice Please contact publicaffairs@navo.navy.mil Last Updated 26 June 2003