Professional diploma800 h · Online · 8 modules

Professional Diploma in Digital Marine Cartography and GNSS

This professional diploma takes you into the world of positioning and spatial representation at sea, with the tools and techniques used today. You will learn to create, analyze and manage digital charts and maps accurately using GIS software, GNSS data and bathymetric surveys, with a complete view that runs from data acquisition in the field to the production of high-quality coastal and nautical cartography.

Duration800 h
ModeOnline
Start1 December
Modules8
Program diagnosis

Prior knowledge check

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About the program

What is the Professional Diploma in Digital Marine Cartography and GNSS?

This professional diploma covers the full chain of marine cartography and satellite positioning. You will study the shape of the Earth, reference systems, geographic and UTM coordinates, projections, WGS84 and datum changes; paper charts, hydrographic offices, nautical publications and chart correction; GPS, Galileo, GLONASS and BeiDou, error sources, differential corrections, RTK and signal integrity; raster and vector charts, ENC and S-57, plotters, ECDIS and chart updating; GIS concepts, spatial databases, QGIS, geoprocessing and marine habitat mapping; single-beam and multibeam echo sounders, digital seabed models, tide reduction and side-scan sonar; and route planning with waypoints, safety margins, tides and currents.

What sets this diploma apart: it joins navigation charts and GIS in one program, so you learn both to use electronic charts safely and to produce your own marine maps and analyses; it includes the hydrographic side, from survey planning and bathymetric processing to quality control and detailed port charts; it covers practical applications such as nautical tourism and sport, mobile apps, open data, collaborative mapping, web map publishing and data licenses; and it ends with a final project in which you map a stretch of coastline.

Program typeProfessional diploma
ModeOnline
Duration800 hours
Modules8
Start1 December

Program highlights

  • Geodesy and projections: reference systems, UTM, WGS84, geoid heights and datum changes.
  • Nautical charts: hydrographic offices, publications, chart correction, sailing directions and light lists.
  • GNSS: GPS, Galileo, GLONASS and BeiDou, error sources, differential corrections and RTK.
  • Electronic charts and GIS: ENC and S-57, ECDIS, QGIS, spatial analysis and habitat mapping.
  • Bathymetry and route planning: multibeam surveys, seabed models, waypoints and safety margins.
  • Final project: digital cartography of a stretch of coastline from data to published map.
Syllabus

Syllabus of the Professional Diploma in Digital Marine Cartography and GNSS

8 modules. Select a module to see its content.

Module 1

Fundamentals of cartography

  • 1.1. The shape of the Earth and reference systems
  • 1.2. Geographic and UTM coordinates
  • 1.3. Map projections
  • 1.4. Scales
  • 1.5. The WGS84 datum
  • 1.6. Geodesy and geoid height
  • 1.7. Datum changes
  • 1.8. Local coordinate systems
At this stage
100 hestimated workload
8 wkweeks at your pace
Module 2

Nautical cartography

  • 2.1. Paper charts and their symbols
  • 2.2. Hydrographic offices
  • 2.3. Nautical publications
  • 2.4. Chart correction
  • 2.5. Hydrographic surveys
  • 2.6. Fishing and special charts
  • 2.7. Historical cartography
  • 2.8. Sailing directions and lists of lights
At this stage
100 hestimated workload
8 wkweeks at your pace
Module 3

GNSS systems

  • 3.1. How GPS works
  • 3.2. Galileo, GLONASS and BeiDou
  • 3.3. Accuracy and sources of error
  • 3.4. Differential corrections and RTK
  • 3.5. Signal integrity
  • 3.6. GPS in mobile devices
  • 3.7. Antennas and their siting
  • 3.8. Time synchronization
At this stage
100 hestimated workload
8 wkweeks at your pace
Module 4

Electronic cartography

  • 4.1. Raster and vector charts
  • 4.2. ENC and S-57 formats
  • 4.3. Chart plotters and ECDIS
  • 4.4. Chart updating
  • 4.5. Limitations and good practice
  • 4.6. Overlay of information layers
  • 4.7. Third-party charts
  • 4.8. Cartography for inland navigation
At this stage
100 hestimated workload
8 wkweeks at your pace
Module 5

Geographic information systems

  • 5.1. GIS concepts
  • 5.2. Layers and spatial databases
  • 5.3. QGIS software
  • 5.4. Marine spatial analysis
  • 5.5. Map production
  • 5.6. Geoprocessing
  • 5.7. Mapping of marine habitats
  • 5.8. Satellite data in GIS
At this stage
100 hestimated workload
8 wkweeks at your pace
Module 6

Bathymetry and surveys

  • 6.1. Single-beam and multibeam echo sounders
  • 6.2. Processing of bathymetric data
  • 6.3. Digital seabed models
  • 6.4. Detailed port charting
  • 6.5. Quality control
  • 6.6. Survey planning
  • 6.7. Tides and sounding reduction
  • 6.8. Side-scan sonar
At this stage
100 hestimated workload
8 wkweeks at your pace
Module 7

Route planning

  • 7.1. Route design on electronic charts
  • 7.2. Waypoints and safety margins
  • 7.3. Tides and currents
  • 7.4. Exporting routes to equipment
  • 7.5. Route monitoring
  • 7.6. Leisure and regatta routes
  • 7.7. Anchorage planning
  • 7.8. Patrol routes
At this stage
100 hestimated workload
8 wkweeks at your pace
Module 8

Applications and project

  • 8.1. Cartography for nautical tourism and water sports
  • 8.2. Mobile applications
  • 8.3. Open data
  • 8.4. Common errors
  • 8.5. Collaborative cartography
  • 8.6. Publishing web maps
  • 8.7. Data licenses
  • 8.8. Final project: cartography of a coastal area
At this stage
100 hestimated workload
8 wkweeks at your pace
Plan your pace

Duration and format of the Professional Diploma in Digital Marine Cartography and GNSS

It is 800 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.

4 h30 h
With 12 h per week
15
months to finish
67 weeks
weeks in total

This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the installment plan.

Faculty

Academic leadership and faculty

The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programs.

Dra. Marina AlcoverDr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Ing. Diego CifuentesEng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Capt. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Senior Lecturer in Ship Handling, Electronic Navigation (ECDIS/Radar/ARPA) and GMDSS; STCW Compliance and Bridge Resource Management Coordinator
Dr. Pau FerrerDr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dra. Nuria LlobregatDr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Ing. Javier BañulsEng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Ing. Sofía MarquinaEng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Ing. Tomás RieraEng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration Coordinator
Objectives

Objectives of the Professional Diploma in Digital Marine Cartography and GNSS

01Produce and analyze thematic maps of coastal and marine areas that support informed decisions in spatial planning and environmental management.
02Use specialized GIS software to import, analyze, edit and display raster and vector geospatial data, including charts, bathymetry and satellite imagery.
03Apply GNSS technology to collect accurate field data, configuring receivers and antennas, applying corrections and validating the accuracy of the positions recorded.
04Carry out mapping and spatial analysis projects accurately and efficiently, combining data from several sources and automating geoprocessing workflows.
05Interpret and present geographic information to analyze spatial patterns, identify trends and communicate findings clearly to stakeholders.
06Manage geographic databases by applying spatial data models, standardizing and validating information and optimizing queries for data-driven decisions.
Careers

Career opportunities after the Professional Diploma in Digital Marine Cartography and GNSS

01GIS techniciancollection, analysis and management of marine and coastal geospatial data.
02Digital cartographercreation and updating of digital charts and maps with specialized software.
03GNSS specialistinstallation, configuration and maintenance of satellite positioning equipment.
04Geospatial data analystinterpretation and modeling of geographic information for decision-making.
05Hydrographic survey assistantsupport with survey planning, bathymetric processing and quality control.
06Geospatial application developermap-based software and mobile apps for navigation, tourism and water sports.
Frequently asked questions

Questions about the Professional Diploma in Digital Marine Cartography and GNSS

GNSS stands for Global Navigation Satellite Systems, the general term that includes the American GPS as well as Galileo, GLONASS and BeiDou. The diploma covers all four and how they are combined.

Yes. A full module covers GIS concepts, layers and spatial databases, QGIS, marine spatial analysis, geoprocessing, habitat mapping and satellite data.

Both. You learn to use paper and electronic charts, ECDIS and route planning safely, and also to produce your own marine maps from GNSS, bathymetric and satellite data.

Yes. The diploma is also aimed at geomatics, engineering and environmental profiles; the admission interview confirms that it fits your background.

Yes. One module covers single-beam and multibeam echo sounders, bathymetric processing, digital seabed models, survey planning, tide reduction, side-scan sonar and quality control.

QGIS is the main GIS tool, alongside electronic chart viewers and formats such as ENC and S-57 and common GIS data formats such as shapefiles.

Through practical exercises in each module and a final project in which you produce the digital cartography of a stretch of coastline.

Fully online, with live and recorded classes, practical activities based on real cases and up-to-date resources. It comprises 800 hours across 8 modules of about 100 hours each.

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Online admission

Admission process

No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enroll in the same session.

Entry requirements
  • Profile: aimed at geomatics and surveying professionals, civil and environmental engineers, students and graduates in related fields, consultants in resource management and public bodies and NGOs working on coastal and spatial planning; a higher technical qualification or degree in geography, engineering, surveying, environmental sciences or a related field, or proven experience in cartography, GIS or GPS, is recommended, and basic knowledge of coordinate systems, projections and GIS software is helpful.
  • Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
  • Technical resources: a computer with a stable internet connection and software able to handle cartographic formats such as shapefiles, display maps and run spatial analyses.
  • Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.
  1. 01
    Application
    Your details, background and documents.
  2. 02
    Instant review
    We check that everything is complete and in order.
  3. 03
    Enrollment
    Choose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Start my applicationFrom $324 deposit

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