Master’s degree1,500 h · Online · 11 modules
Master's in Nautical Cartography and Advanced Hydrography
This master's gives you the tools and knowledge to excel in the production and management of next-generation nautical charts. You will master the acquisition of bathymetric data with multibeam echo sounders, LIDAR and autonomous platforms, the processing of marine geospatial information and the production of electronic navigational charts (ENC) and traditional charts under IHO standards, so that you can contribute to the safety of navigation and the sustainable management of marine resources.
Duration1,500 h
ModeOnline
Start1 December
Modules11
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About the program
What is the Master's in Nautical Cartography and Advanced Hydrography?
This master's follows the whole hydrographic and cartographic workflow, from survey planning to the distribution of electronic charts. You will study the evolution of digital nautical cartography and the S-57, S-101 and S-100 data formats; multibeam echo sounders, side-scan sonar, airborne and marine LIDAR and acoustic, gravimetric and magnetometric sensors; high-precision positioning with RTK, PPP, DGPS and inertial navigation systems; survey planning with crewed vessels, AUVs, ROVs and USVs; calibration, sound velocity and refraction corrections, filtering and total propagated uncertainty; digital terrain models, 3D modeling and seabed classification; GIS, spatial databases and Python and R automation; ENC production, S-63 encryption and distribution and integration with ECDIS; IHO S-44 survey standards, notices to mariners and nautical publications; and artificial intelligence for detecting objects and anomalies in hydrographic data.
What sets this master's apart: it treats hydrography and cartography as a single production chain, so you learn how decisions made during a survey affect the accuracy and compliance of the final chart; it covers the integration and cross-calibration of LIDAR and multibeam data for seamless coverage from the coastline to deep water; it gives real weight to automation, data management and quality assurance alongside the sensors themselves; and it closes with a Final Project in which you design an integrated workflow for high-precision seabed mapping and nautical chart production, from data collection to publication.
Program typeMaster’s degree
ModeOnline
Duration1,500 hours
Modules11
Start1 December
Program highlights
- Hydrographic sensors: multibeam echo sounders, side-scan sonar, airborne and marine LIDAR and acoustic sensors.
- High-precision positioning: RTK, PPP, DGPS, inertial navigation and geodetic reference systems.
- Bathymetric processing, cross-calibration of LIDAR and multibeam data, uncertainty and digital terrain models.
- ENC production under IHO S-44, S-57, S-101 and S-100, S-63 distribution and ECDIS integration.
- Survey automation with AUVs, ROVs and USVs, Python and R scripting, GIS and AI for anomaly detection.
- Final Project: an integrated workflow for high-precision seabed mapping and chart production.
Syllabus
Syllabus of the Master's in Nautical Cartography and Advanced Hydrography
11 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Module 1
Innovative techniques in digital nautical cartography and advanced applications of hydrographic sensors
- 1.1. Foundations of digital nautical cartography: historical evolution, international standards and data formats (S-57, S-101)
- 1.2. Advanced processing of hydrographic data: acquisition, correction and validation of bathymetric data from multibeam echo sounders and LIDAR
- 1.3. Integration of hydrographic sensors: principles and technologies of acoustic, gravimetric and magnetometric sensors for coastal and offshore surveys
- 1.4. Numerical modeling in hydrography: generation of digital terrain models (DTM) of the seabed, spatial interpolation and uncertainty analysis
- 1.5. Specialized geographic information systems (GIS) for producing digital nautical charts: tools, plugins and interoperability standards
- 1.6. Artificial intelligence and machine learning for the automatic detection of objects and anomalies in hydrographic data
- 1.7. International rules and regulations for the production and updating of electronic nautical charts and derived products
- 1.8. Advanced methods for planning, executing and controlling hydrographic campaigns with autonomous and uncrewed vehicles (AUV/USV)
- 1.9. Assessment and mitigation of systematic and random errors in hydrographic sensors: calibration, correction and data quality control
- 1.10. Development of advanced applications for dynamic, real-time management of hydrographic and cartographic databases in critical marine contexts
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 2
Integration of LIDAR and multibeam sonar systems for high-precision seabed mapping
- 2.1. Physical and mathematical foundations of LIDAR: emission and reception of laser pulses and propagation speeds in water and air
- 2.2. Design and configuration of airborne and terrestrial LIDAR systems for coastal and marine surveys with very high precision
- 2.3. Advanced LIDAR data processing: filtering, atmospheric correction, georeferencing and generation of digital elevation models (DEM) and digital surface models (DSM)
- 2.4. Technical introduction to multibeam echo sounder systems (MBES): transducer types, operating frequencies, beam patterns and spatial resolution
- 2.5. Detailed planning of hydrographic campaigns: acquisition parameters for the simultaneous integration of LIDAR and multibeam data in complex coastal environments
- 2.6. Methods for cross-calibration and temporal and spatial alignment of LIDAR and MBES data, ensuring consistency and removing systematic errors
- 2.7. Joint management and processing of LIDAR and sonar datasets: fusion, interpolation and creation of high-fidelity 3D seabed models
- 2.8. Algorithms for acoustic and optical refraction correction in water to improve the accuracy of seabed relief and detailed bathymetry
- 2.9. Real case studies and comparative analysis of the efficiency and accuracy of conventional methods versus integrated LIDAR-multibeam systems
- 2.10. Generation of cartographic products compliant with international standards (IHO S-44, S-101) from integrated data for safe navigation and maritime planning
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 3
Digital nautical cartography, hydrographic sensors and high-precision systems for underwater exploration and mapping
- 3.1. Foundations and advances in digital nautical cartography: from traditional methods to GIS-based solutions and dynamic cartography
- 3.2. Advanced hydrographic sensors: operation, integration and calibration of multifrequency echo sounders, side-scan sonar and marine LIDAR for high-resolution seabed mapping
- 3.3. Treatment and filtering of hydrographic data: statistical modeling, spatial interpolation, noise correction and anomaly detection in multidimensional datasets
- 3.4. High-precision positioning and navigation systems: differential GNSS (RTK, DGPS), inertial navigation systems (INS) and sensor fusion algorithms for underwater georeferencing
- 3.5. Acoustic technology for seabed mapping: wave propagation and the effects of marine life and seabed morphology on mapping quality
- 3.6. Real-time integration and processing: acquisition, synchronization and analysis of data on onboard platforms with high-performance processing and satellite communication
- 3.7. Digital terrain models of the seabed: generation, visualization and validation with emphasis on geomorphology, bathymetry and marine geological hazards
- 3.8. International rules and technical standards for nautical cartography and hydrographic sensors, including IHO S-100 and related SOLAS requirements
- 3.9. Practical applications in underwater exploration and mapping: autonomous vehicles (AUVs/ROVs), mapping of submerged infrastructure and environmental impact studies
- 3.10. Innovation and future trends: artificial intelligence in data processing, survey automation and smart, interactive electronic charts
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 4
High-performance nautical cartography: hydrographic campaign design and supervision, advanced bathymetric processing, quality control and ENC production (S-57/S-101) with 3D visualization
- 4.1. Foundations of high-performance hydrographic campaigns: design, strategic planning and integrated management focused on resource optimization and cartographic accuracy
- 4.2. Advanced bathymetric data acquisition: integration of multibeam echo sounders, airborne LIDAR and high-precision GNSS for hydrographic surveys
- 4.3. Advanced bathymetric processing: filtering, error correction, digital seabed modeling (DTM) and surface generation removing noise and artifacts
- 4.4. Automation and quality control in hydrographic campaigns: real-time and post-processing validation protocols focused on detecting and correcting anomalies and outliers
- 4.5. Applicable international standards: compliance with IHO S-44 Edition 6 accuracy and coverage criteria for official nautical charting
- 4.6. Production of electronic navigational charts (ENC) to S-57 and S-101 specifications: structure, attributes, object encoding and dynamic updating
- 4.7. Instruments and specialized software for creating and supervising ENCs: comparison of GIS tools, ENC editing software and hydrographic database systems
- 4.8. 3D visualization and augmented reality for safe navigation: three-dimensional seabed models and simulations to support decisions in ports, restricted routes and complex areas
- 4.9. Risk and navigation safety management based on accurate hydrographic data: hazard analysis, anchorages, leading lines and traffic corridors
- 4.10. Implementation of ENC updating and electronic distribution systems: S-63 encryption and secure distribution and strategies for continuous maintenance of the chart database
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 5
Optimization and automation of nautical cartography processes: digital terrain modeling, geospatial analysis and integrated hydrographic data management
- 5.1. Foundations of digital terrain modeling (DTM) in hydrographic environments: acquisition of bathymetric and topographic data and multisensor integration
- 5.2. Advanced algorithms for generating and optimizing DTMs: spatial interpolation, surface analysis and removal of systematic and random errors
- 5.3. Automation of the capture, processing and validation of hydrographic data from LIDAR, multibeam and single-beam echo sounders
- 5.4. Protocols for applying the S-44 and S-57 international standards to the automated production of digital nautical charts, including quality and compliance checks
- 5.5. GIS for advanced geospatial analysis in nautical cartography: integration of thematic layers, risk analysis and modeling of dynamic scenarios
- 5.6. Tools and frameworks for managing large volumes of hydrographic data: spatial databases, metadata, interoperability and remote access
- 5.7. Workflow automation with Python and R scripting for bulk processing and real-time updating of cartographic and hydrographic information
- 5.8. Artificial intelligence and machine learning for seabed classification, anomaly detection and prediction of morphodynamic changes
- 5.9. IoT technologies and onboard systems for autonomous real-time collection of hydrographic data and integration with cartographic platforms
- 5.10. Quality assurance, traceability and digital certification methods in chart production for civil and military navigation
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 6
Integration of sensor technologies and high-precision systems for advanced underwater exploration and mapping
- 6.1. Fundamentals of hydrographic sensors: physical principles, sensor types and applications in nautical cartography
- 6.2. Integration of high-precision GNSS: RTK and PPP differential positioning and multisensor fusion to improve geospatial accuracy
- 6.3. Multibeam echo sounders and latest-generation technologies for bathymetric data acquisition: configuration parameters, calibration and signal processing
- 6.4. Underwater inertial navigation systems (INS): operation, estimation algorithms and drift compensation for exploration in complex environments
- 6.5. Underwater LIDAR and advanced acoustic remote sensing: operating principles and advantages for high-resolution mapping
- 6.6. Integration and synchronization of autonomous and crewed platforms: AUVs, ROVs and hydrographic survey vessels
- 6.7. Advanced processing of hydrographic data: filtering, adjustment, geodetic corrections and three-dimensional seabed modeling
- 6.8. Correction of sensor errors caused by environmental and dynamic interference: mitigation techniques and continuous calibration
- 6.9. Automation and intelligent control systems for real-time data acquisition: artificial intelligence and machine learning in hydrographic charting
- 6.10. Interoperable data integration protocols: standard formats (S-57, S-100), interoperability and geospatial database management systems
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 7
Emerging technologies and integrated systems for professional nautical cartography and hydrographic studies
- 7.1. Foundations of emerging technologies in nautical cartography: evolution, trends and current challenges
- 7.2. Integrated hydrographic data acquisition systems: multibeam echo sounders, marine LIDAR and advanced acoustic sensors
- 7.3. Processing and analysis of geospatial data: specialized GIS software, extraction of digital seabed models and topographic calibration
- 7.4. Integration of high-precision GNSS with cartographic platforms for exact real-time georeferencing
- 7.5. Artificial intelligence and machine learning for the automatic classification of hydrographic data and anomaly detection
- 7.6. Development and use of interoperable platforms based on international standards (IHO S-100 and derived specifications) for advanced management of nautical data
- 7.7. Validation and quality control methods for obtaining hydrographic and digital cartographic information
- 7.8. Real-time monitoring systems for dynamic updating of nautical charts and hydrographic alerts
- 7.9. Integrated environmental impact studies and hydrodynamic modeling applied to sustainable maritime planning and management
- 7.10. Regulations, certification requirements and best practices for advanced nautical cartography and professional hydrography projects
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 8
Advanced hydrographic data processing and 3D model development for accurate nautical cartography and marine environmental analysis
- 8.1. Foundations of digital hydrography: acquisition, calibration and validation of raw data
- 8.2. Advanced processing of multibeam echo sounder and marine LIDAR data to generate bathymetric profiles
- 8.3. Hydrodynamic correction and filtering: error modeling, noise suppression and removal of survey artifacts
- 8.4. Integration and time synchronization of multisensor data: GNSS, INS, echo sounders, SCADA and marine meteorology
- 8.5. Development and optimization of 3D numerical models for bathymetric analysis and hydrographic modeling of the seabed
- 8.6. Geographic information systems (GIS) for interpretation and spatial analysis in advanced nautical cartography
- 8.7. Automatic generation of vector and raster nautical charts to S-57 and S-101 standards, ensuring accuracy and international compliance
- 8.8. Three-dimensional modeling of coastal marine environments: substrate mapping, benthic habitats and environmental risk assessment
- 8.9. 3D visualization and representation for maritime scenario simulations and decision support in coastal management and naval safety
- 8.10. Environmental impact analysis through hydrodynamic modeling and simulation of pollutant dispersion in marine ecosystems
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 9
Integration of sensor technologies, high-precision systems and digital modeling for underwater exploration and next-generation nautical cartography
- 9.1. Foundations of advanced sensors: types, characteristics, accuracy and applications in nautical cartography
- 9.2. Multisensor integration in hydrographic systems: time synchronization, data fusion and optimization of results
- 9.3. High-precision GNSS technologies: RTK, PPP, differential corrections and error management in maritime environments
- 9.4. Hydrological and oceanographic instrumentation: multibeam profiles, LIDAR and acoustic sensors for seabed mapping
- 9.5. Acquisition platforms: crewed and uncrewed vehicles (ROVs, AUVs), smart buoys and marine drones for hydrographic surveys
- 9.6. Advanced data processing: filtering algorithms, noise correction, spatial interpolation and generation of underwater digital elevation models (DEM)
- 9.7. Geodetic reference systems: ellipsoidal models, local geoids and coordinate transformation for cartographic accuracy
- 9.8. Digital modeling and three-dimensional interpretation: visualization, seabed relief analysis and predictive simulations for safe navigation
- 9.9. Artificial intelligence and machine learning for anomaly detection and automatic classification of bathymetric features
- 9.10. Integration into GIS platforms and ECDIS: international standards, interoperability and dynamic updating of chart databases
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 10
Hydrographic standards, chart production and quality management
- 10.1. IHO S-44 standards
- 10.2. S-57 and S-100 electronic chart standards
- 10.3. ENC production
- 10.4. Notices to mariners
- 10.5. Sailing directions and nautical publications
- 10.6. Quality control of hydrographic data
- 10.7. Total propagated uncertainty
- 10.8. Management of bathymetric databases
- 10.9. National hydrographic services
- 10.10. Chart production project
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 11
Final Project
- 11.1. Advanced methods for acquiring hydrographic data: multibeam surveying, LIDAR sensors and autonomous underwater systems
- 11.2. Processing and analysis of geospatial data: correction, noise filtering and three-dimensional modeling for marine cartography
- 11.3. Integration of high-precision GNSS with inertial measurements and acoustic sensors for reliable underwater positioning
- 11.4. Development of hybrid mapping platforms: ROVs, AUVs and onboard equipment
- 11.5. Optimization of multisensor data fusion algorithms for producing digital nautical charts to IHO S-100 standards
- 11.6. Advanced georeferencing and orthorectification techniques in complex underwater environments
- 11.7. Design and evaluation of integrated workflows for high-precision nautical chart production, from data collection to publication
- 11.8. Artificial intelligence and machine learning for the automatic interpretation of bathymetric features and submerged obstacles
- 11.9. Quality control and validation systems in line with international standards to ensure the reliability of the final work
- 11.10. Presentation and technical defense of the project: integration of technologies, results and innovative contribution to advanced nautical cartography
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your pacePlan your pace
Duration and format of the Master's in Nautical Cartography and Advanced Hydrography
It is 1,500 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
29
months to finish
125 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.
Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Eng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
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 FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Eng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Eng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Eng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration CoordinatorObjectives
Objectives of the Master's in Nautical Cartography and Advanced Hydrography
01Manage complex hydrographic projects, planning, executing and controlling surveys that integrate bathymetry, tides, currents and weather while ensuring the quality, accuracy and security of the information.
02Interpret and analyze bathymetric data for chart production, identifying and correcting systematic and random errors in line with IHO S-44 and S-100.
03Master specialized software for processing and visualizing marine geospatial information, producing cartographic products and modeling bathymetric and oceanographic data for decision-making.
04Apply international standards and quality criteria to nautical chart production, adapting IHO symbology and specifications (S-4, S-57, S-100) to ensure accurate, clear and consistent nautical information.
05Lead hydrographic teams in data acquisition and processing, implementing IHO S-44 and best practices in survey planning, quality control and uncertainty management.
06Develop innovative solutions for hydrographic information management, designing robust geospatial databases with accurate bathymetry, dynamic tide models and interactive visualization.
Careers
Career opportunities after the Master's in Nautical Cartography and Advanced Hydrography
Frequently asked questions
Questions about the Master's in Nautical Cartography and Advanced Hydrography
Hydrography, nautical cartography and marine geospatial information, with applications in navigation safety, marine geodesy, oceanography, coastal management and maritime engineering.
The program covers S-44 for hydrographic surveys, S-57, S-101 and S-100 for electronic charts, S-4 for chart specifications and S-63 for the encryption and distribution of ENCs.
Yes. It covers the full chain: survey planning, multibeam, LIDAR and side-scan sonar acquisition, positioning, processing, uncertainty, digital terrain models and ENC production and updating.
No. Navalis Institute teaches the subject matter in depth; professional recognition schemes for hydrographic surveyors are managed by the competent bodies and have their own requirements.
Yes. The program is aimed at cartographers, surveyors, hydrographers, coastal and environmental engineers and graduates in marine science, geography and related engineering fields, as well as maritime professionals.
Online, with practical projects throughout the modules, and a Final Project in which you design an integrated workflow for high-precision seabed mapping and nautical chart production.
A Navalis Institute master's certificate and a Final Project that documents a complete hydrographic and cartographic workflow, useful as a professional portfolio.
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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: a degree in engineering (geomatics, civil, surveying or similar), marine science, physics, mathematics or a related field, or demonstrable professional experience in nautical cartography, hydrography or related disciplines.
- Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
- Technical resources: a computer capable of running geospatial data processing software, a stable broadband internet connection and videoconferencing software.
- Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.
- 01ApplicationYour details, background and documents.
- 02Instant reviewWe check that everything is complete and in order.
- 03EnrollmentChoose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
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