Marine Geomatics

This one-year program develops professionals who have a thorough grounding in the area of Geomatics and can use their skills to effectively explore, manage and monitor marine and coastal environments.

You’ll apply the integrated geodetic skills of GPS positioning and hydrographic surveying for coastal mapping and nautical charting agencies, hydrographic surveying organizations, offshore construction and resource exploration companies, and firms involved in coastal zone management, habitat mapping and environmental, geological and geophysical sciences. Your presentation of this data will be crucial when making decisions relating to the environment and natural resources.

You’ll also acquire skills in geographic information systems (GIS), physical oceanography, remote sensing, cartography and GPS applications, required for analysis and presentation of geospatial data as they apply to marine and coastal activities.

This advanced diploma program is designed to complement an existing university degree in the sciences, a two-year diploma in a related field of study, or previous geomatics-related experience.

• COGS is the only school in North America to offer this unique program.


• You’ll benefit from instructors who bring international experience and industry connections to the classroom.


• At NSCC classes are small, the learning is collaborative, and everything is hands-on so you’ll be very involved in every class and make the most of your investment. You’ll be using the most up-to-date software and equipment. You’ll get the hands-on training (including practical field exercises on a survey vessel in the Annapolis Basin) that makes NSCC grads the preferred choice of employers.

Graduates are in high demand in private and public sectors. Graduates may be employed in hydrographic agencies, ocean and seabed research, offshore construction and engineering, seismic exploration, software development, and more.

Our graduates are involved with numerous activities related to coastal and offshore projects. They’re performing bathymetric surveys and creating nautical charts. They’re helping offshore construction companies determine the feasibility and routing of offshore cables and pipelines. Graduates are navigating vessels and providing positioning for the installation of offshore structures.

• Undergraduate degree in a related field of study (such as Geology, Geography, Biology, Chemistry, Resource Management, Environmental Studies, and Engineering), or a Geomatics Diploma, or equivalent.

Students can choose from several possible second-semester directed studies electives. Options are determined by faculty and that list is made available in November.