Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Fundamentals of Hydrography

• Understand the role of hydrography in navigation, offshore industries, and coastal management.
• Learn about the history and development of hydrographic surveying.
• Identify hydrographic survey standards and organizations (IHO, NOAA, UKHO, IMO, FIG/IHO/ICA).

2. Principles of Bathymetry and Water Depth Measurement

• Define bathymetry and its significance in marine and inland water studies.
• Understand soundings, depth contours, and seabed characterization.
• Explore water depth measurement techniques using echo sounders and LiDAR.

3. Hydrographic Surveying Methods and Technologies

• Learn about single-beam and multi-beam sonar systems.
• Understand side-scan sonar imaging for seabed mapping.
• Explore sub-bottom profiling techniques for geological analysis.
• Use LiDAR and satellite-derived bathymetry (SDB) for hydrographic applications.

4. Hydrographic Data Collection and Processing

• Plan and execute hydrographic surveys using GPS, sonar, and tide gauges.
• Understand positioning and geodetic reference systems (WGS84, chart datums, ellipsoidal heights).
• Process bathymetric and geospatial data using hydrographic software (CARIS, Hypack, QPS Qimera).

5. Marine Cartography and Nautical Charting

• Understand the creation of Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) and Paper Nautical Charts (PNCs).
• Learn about chart symbols, depth contours, and navigational hazards.
• Apply hydrographic data for maritime safety and port operations.

6. Coastal and Offshore Applications of Hydrography

• Conduct shoreline mapping and coastal erosion monitoring.
• Support offshore infrastructure projects (oil & gas platforms, wind farms, pipelines).
• Use hydrography for dredging, port maintenance, and environmental impact assessments.

7. Regulations, Standards, and Quality Assurance in Hydrography

• Ensure compliance with International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) survey standards (S-44, S-57, S-100).
• Implement quality control measures in hydrographic data acquisition and processing.
• Understand environmental and legal considerations in hydrographic surveys.

8. Case Studies and Practical Applications

• Analyze real-world hydrographic survey projects and challenges.
• Participate in hands-on exercises using hydrographic survey planning tools.
• Develop a hydrographic survey plan for a coastal or offshore area.

Target Audience

• Hydrographers and marine surveyors
• Port and harbor authorities
• Offshore energy and oil & gas professionals
• Environmental and coastal management specialists
• GIS and geospatial professionals working in marine applications