Short course300 h · Online · 5 modules

Nautical Databases Course

This course gives you the knowledge to manage the nautical data that modern navigation depends on. You will learn what nautical databases contain and where the data come from, how to design and normalize database schemas for charts, depths, hazards and weather, how GIS tools represent and analyze spatial data, how electronic navigational charts are structured under S-57 and S-100, and how to build and apply your own nautical database.

Duration300 h
ModeOnline
Start1 December
Modules5
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About the program

What is the Nautical Databases Course?

This short course prepares you to work with the data behind electronic charts and navigation systems. You will study the definition and uses of nautical databases, types of nautical data, sources and international standards such as ENC, S-57 and S-100, real-time integration with sensors and navigation systems, relational, non-relational and hierarchical databases, schema design and data modeling, normalization, file formats such as ENC, KML, GPX, CSV and XML, spatial databases, GIS fundamentals, QGIS and ArcGIS, spatial analysis of routes and hazards, the structure, creation, updating and validation of ENCs and the transition to S-100.

What sets this course apart: it joins two worlds that are usually taught separately, database design and hydrographic standards, so you understand both how the data are organized and how they reach the ECDIS; it uses open GIS tools for hands-on spatial analysis; it looks ahead to the S-100 framework; and it ends with a project in which you design a nautical database, integrate it with GIS and apply it to route planning.

Program typeShort course
ModeOnline
Duration300 hours
Modules5
Start1 December

Program highlights

  • Nautical data: charts, depths, hazards, weather, positions and sources.
  • Standards: ENC, S-57 and the evolution to S-100.
  • Database design: schemas, normalization, formats and spatial storage.
  • GIS for navigation: QGIS, ArcGIS, spatial analysis and real-time data.
  • ENC life cycle: creation, updating and validation of electronic charts.
  • Applied project: a nautical database integrated with GIS for route planning.
Syllabus

Syllabus of the Nautical Databases Course

5 modules. Select a module to see its content.

Module 1

Introduction to nautical databases and their application in navigation

  • 1.1. What are nautical databases: definition, importance and applications in navigation
  • 1.2. Types of nautical data: chart data, weather information, position, depths, obstructions and more
  • 1.3. Sources of nautical data: collection and international standards (ENC, S-57, S-100 and others)
  • 1.4. Real-time data integration: connection with navigation systems and sensors on vessels
  • 1.5. Types of databases: relational, non-relational and hierarchical and their applications in nautical systems
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 2

Structure and design of nautical databases

  • 2.1. Database schema design: data modeling, relationships and logical structure
  • 2.2. Organization of nautical data: data classification, reference tables, layers and thematic layers
  • 2.3. Database normalization: why normalization matters to avoid redundancy and improve access
  • 2.4. File types and formats used in nautical databases: ENC, KML, GPX, CSV and XML
  • 2.5. Storage technologies and spatial databases: use of GIS systems to store geospatial data
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 3

Geographic information systems (GIS) and their use in navigation

  • 3.1. GIS fundamentals: key concepts, information layers and graphic representation of data
  • 3.2. GIS tools for navigation: GIS software (QGIS, ArcGIS and others) and its integration with nautical databases
  • 3.3. Digital cartography and its relationship with nautical databases: representation of spatial data on interactive maps
  • 3.4. Spatial processing and analysis of nautical data: route analysis, hazard estimation and trajectory optimization
  • 3.5. Integration of sensor and GPS data in GIS: using real-time data for navigation decisions
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 4

Handling electronic navigational charts (ENC) and international standards

  • 4.1. Electronic navigational charts (ENC): definition, chart types and data structure
  • 4.2. The S-57 format: how an electronic navigational chart is structured and how to interpret it
  • 4.3. International standards: IHO (International Hydrographic Organization) standards, S-100 and their application to data updating
  • 4.4. Creating and updating ENCs: how to create, update and validate electronic charts
  • 4.5. Implementing S-100: the evolution towards more advanced formats and the future of electronic navigational charts
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 5

Final project and development of an applied nautical database

  • 5.1. Design and development of a nautical database: identification of requirements, data types and structure
  • 5.2. Integration with navigation systems and GIS: implementing databases with GIS tools for visualization and analysis
  • 5.3. Creation of an electronic navigational chart: from the data to the validation of the electronic chart
  • 5.4. Analysis and optimization of nautical routes: using databases for route planning and optimization
  • 5.5. Final project presentation: implementation of a nautical database for a navigation case study
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Plan your pace

Duration and format of the Nautical Databases Course

It is 300 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
6
months to finish
25 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 Nautical Databases Course

01Interpret and apply the information in nautical charts and related publications, identifying symbols, depths, heights, hazards and restrictions.
02Use nautical database software to manage and display maritime geographic information, including bathymetric, coastal and hazard data.
03Maintain and update nautical databases in line with standards and notices to mariners, with accuracy and traceability.
04Assess and mitigate navigation risks by analyzing nautical data and applying preventive and corrective measures.
05Improve navigation decisions by consulting and cross-checking sources such as charts, sailing directions and notices to mariners together with GPS, radar and AIS data.
06Implement and manage nautical information systems for vessels and ports that integrate data from multiple sources for clear display in ECDIS.
Careers

Career opportunities after the Nautical Databases Course

01Nautical cartographercreation and updating of electronic and paper charts.
02Nautical software developerprogramming applications to manage and display nautical databases.
03Maritime GIS consultantimplementation and management of GIS for coastal planning and management.
04Nautical data analystinterpreting and analyzing data to optimize routes and improve maritime safety.
05ECDIS specialistconfiguration, maintenance and user training for electronic chart systems.
06Oceanographic data technicianmanaging databases with information on currents, tides and marine weather.
Frequently asked questions

Questions about the Nautical Databases Course

Data on nautical charts, tides, currents, hazards to navigation, aids to navigation, ports and port facilities, shipping routes and other information relevant to navigation.

Bathymetry, obstructions such as rocks and wrecks, aids to navigation such as buoys and lights, currents, tides and coastline limits.

S-57 is the established standard for encoding electronic navigational charts; S-100 is the newer IHO framework that supports a wider family of data products and more flexible models. The course explains both and the transition between them.

No. The course introduces database design and GIS from the fundamentals, although prior familiarity with computers and charts will help you progress faster.

You design a nautical database, integrate it with GIS, work through the creation and validation of an electronic chart and apply the database to a route planning case study.

Fully online, through a virtual campus available 24/7, with live sessions that are recorded and tutorials with the teaching staff.

The course comprises 300 hours of study across 5 modules of about 60 hours each and ends with an applied project. You can progress at your own pace within the schedule set when you enroll.

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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 professional and recreational navigators who want to improve route planning and the use of electronic charts, nautical and oceanography students, developers of marine software and applications, marine researchers who work with bathymetric and coastal data, and maritime and energy service companies; basic knowledge of navigation and charts, or experience using electronic or paper charts, is recommended.
  • Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
  • Technical resources: a computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser and the ability to install free GIS software such as QGIS and a chart viewer.
  • 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 $172 deposit

Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documents provided. If you do not meet the requirements, the full amount is refunded.

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