Careers

HYDROGRAPHIC INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

An exciting area to work in, the hydrographic industry has many links and associations within both public and private sectors.

Stemming from the Greek Hudro - meaning 'water' and Graphos, meaning 'written,' hydrography is the science of seas, lakes and rivers.

In physical terms, this includes the mapping of seabeds, searching for minerals, land reclamation surveys and the analysis of dams, lakes and waterways. Technologies and technical skills relating to surveying, computing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), depth sounding and sonar continue to play an increasingly important role.

Marine science, geomatics and surveying are applied sciences that have strong links with hydrography. The following list gives an indication of the roles and tasks that these professional sciences entail:

  • Positioning oil-rigs, pipelines and sub-sea cables.
  • Environmental impact studies.
  • Preparing maps and charts for maritime, defence and commercial fishing use.
  • Research of resource use for quota management.
  • Design and engineering of dams and lakes for hydroelectric projects.
  • Land reclamation surveys.
  • Port and shipping channel safety including monitoring tidal information and channel dredging.

Many opportunities exist in the disciplines that support the industry. Some of these include:

  • Electrical and civil engineering.
  • Computer and information science.
  • Planning and law.
  • Environmental research.
  • Commercial Fisheries & Shipping.

Hydrography combines information and physical resources through its inter-disciplinary components and develops the potential for large scale commercial activity while supporting the sustainable use of resources through research and monitoring.

EDUCATION

The University of Otago

The University of Otago offers a number of degree options and postgraduate qualifications through the Department of Surveying and the Department of Marine Science which operates the Portobello Marine Lab. Students of SURV 322 (Hydrography I Course) contribute to an ongoing large scale survey of the environs of the Portobello installation - slowly the bays of Dunedins harbour are being surveyed in detail and nautical charts produced by the School. In addition a dedicated coastal vessel is used for offshore hydrographic surveying.

Otago University accredited to CAT A level - 2003

The University of Otago’s, School of Surveying has received its accreditation for providing hydrograhic education at the Category A level. The certificate shown above was awarded in September 2003, after a submission initially made in June 2002 in New Hampshire, USA.

Peter Knight is Lecturer in charge of the hydrographic electives and the CAT A Programme (IHO/FIG Category A Hydrographic Surveying Programme). Professor John Hannah has written a paper titled Options for Completing Otago Universitys IHO/FIG Category A Hydrographic Surveying Prrogramme

The industries associated with hydrography work closely with related universities to ensure a steady stream of well educated graduates are employed each year. Graduates from this School are sought after both by New Zealand and overseas companies.

To see more career opportunities visit The Royal New Zealand Navy website