Course Overview
This course introduces students to the concepts and practice of hydrography, marine geology and marine geomatics. It covers a working knowledge of the marine environment, the purpose and methods of hydrographic surveying, marine positioning, and marine data acquisition. Topics include an introduction to coastal zone boundaries, driving forces behind tides, horizontal positioning systems (historic and current), vertical positioning systems, an introduction to acoustics and sonar systems, charting techniques, and hydrographic survey standards. Students will get exposure to a variety of hydrographic post-processing software tools and apply the knowledge learned to solve problems in simulated scenarios.
Prerequisite(s)
Credits
4.0
Domestic fees
$1,175.85
International fees are typically 3.4 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate how Canada’s offshore international boundaries are determined using marine geospatial datasets.
- Explain why a basic knowledge of oceanography and marine geosciences is necessary for the planning and conduct of hydrographic surveys.
- Explain tide fundamentals, tidal measurements, and their impact on survey operations.
- Differentiate between the various vertical datums used in hydrographic operations and methods used to establish them.
- Explain ellipsoidal referenced water depth determination techniques.
- Explain the functions of various marine instrumentation used to measure vessel positioning/orientation and heave in hydrography.
- Explain acoustic propagation, sonar system parameters, and how they are employed in hydrography.
- Explain the physical properties of water and their impact on the speed of sound and on the final observed depth.
- Compare techniques available for measuring and reducing water depths.
- Explain the operation and calibration of standard hydrographic sensors and systems.
- Process and present collected hydrographic data using hydrographic post-processing software across a variety of sonar imaging sensors used in hydrography.
- Use a nautical chart properly to extract key information in support of safety of navigation.
- Justify the proper equipment selection for variety of hydrographic surveying projects/activities.
Effective as of Fall 2024
Related Programs
Hydrographic Surveying (GEOM 8195) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
- Indicates programs eligible for students to apply for Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
School of Construction and the Environment
- Geomatics
Bachelor of Science Full-time
Course Offerings
Winter 2027
Below is one offering of GEOM 8195 for the Winter 2027 term.
CRN 88238
Dates
Jan 04 - Apr 12 Loading
- CRN 88238
- $1175.85 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 04 - Apr 12 | N/A | N/A | Online |
Duration
15 weeks
Instructor
TBD
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Registration requirements
Departmental approval is required to register for this course offering. You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Important information
- **IMPORTANT: The final exam must be written at an approved Exam Centre only. Details will be emailed to you after registering for the course. Students may receive approval to register for this course with completion of 2 year Geomatics diploma, and meeting all other prerequisites. To receive approval, please email your official academic transcript(s) and BCIT Student ID to geomatics@bcit.ca. If you're new to BCIT, create an ID at secure.bcit.ca/sis/reg/ .
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.