Marine Geomatics

Overview

Acquire, process, analyze and interpret data captured in terrestrial, marine and coastal environments. This unique one-year program focuses on geomatics applications in marine and coastal environments.

In this graduate certificate program, you:

• Operate specialized acoustic mapping equipment, such as multibeam echosounders and side-scan sonars, to acquire bathymetric data and detect anomalies on the seafloor.
• Install sensors on a survey vessel, configure devices and interface hardware with acquisition and navigation software.
• Manage a project from reconnaissance and planning to data acquisition and the delivery of final products.
• Learn how underwater vehicles are positioned using acoustic methods using ultra short baseline and long baseline.
• Set up and operate oceanographic equipment, such as tide gauges, current meters and speed of sound sensors.
• Collect three-dimensional data using the latest positioning technologies, such as total stations, global navigation satellite system (GNSS), commonly known as global positioning systems or GPS, and lidar scanners.
• Present geospatial data by generating 3D digital models using the latest geographic information systems (GIS) and computer-aided drafting (CAD) software.
• You participate in practical field exercises on a survey vessel.

You learn at the Centre of Geographic Sciences (COGS), Canada's largest geomatics-focused learning environment, preparing you for a career in the global geomatics sector. You get hands-on training while using the most up-to-date equipment and software. Small class sizes provide you with lots of opportunities for one-on-one interaction and support, and you work alongside students studying related disciplines. COGS has earned a strong reputation among employers and geomatics professionals for the quality of the programs, hands-on training and practical learning provided to students.

Other info

• Many employers in this industry require a current, official criminal record check as part of the hiring process. A conviction on your criminal record may impact your ability to secure employment.

September 2026

Admission requirements

• Diploma, advanced diploma, graduate certificate or undergraduate degree from a related area. Related areas include:
  • Geomatics (includes Geographic Information Systems, Cartography, Remote Sensing, Geomatics Engineering Technology, Geospatial Data Analytics, Forest Geomatics and Biometrics Technology.) 
  • Geography, BA Geography, Geographic Sciences
  • Science (includes Geology, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math, Earth Science, Computer Science, Geocomputing)
  • BSc in Engineering (all disciplines)
  • Engineering Technology (includes Mechanical, Environmental, Civil, Geomatics, Electronics, etc.)
  • Information Technology
  • Other related areas such as Electronics, Game Development, Computer Aided Design, Agriculture, Forestry, Resource Management, Environmental Studies.
• International students – Submit your official post-secondary documents for assessment. View document and language requirements by country

View NSCC programs that meet the admission requirements for this program.

Program requirements

• Portfolio development – As part of your studies at NSCC, you develop a portfolio of your work; the portfolio captures your achievements and profiles your skills to employers.

Tuition

Tuition amounts are for the 2025-26 academic year. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional.

Tuition, fees and program costs

In addition to annual tuition, there are program costs (books, tools, etc.) and student fees for College services, health and dental plans, your student association and parking.

View detailed program fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.

• Marine Geomatics

Career options

• Work as an online surveyor, navigator/surveyor, data processor, data analyst, GIS analyst, CAD operator or land surveyor on geoscience and construction projects.
• Be employed by federal hydrographic mapping agencies, ocean and seabed research organizations, environmental monitoring companies, offshore construction and engineering firms, land and construction survey companies and other private surveying and engineering firms and public sector organizations.
• Graduates are involved in numerous activities related to coastal and offshore projects, including:
  • Performing bathymetric surveys and creating nautical charts.
  • Assisting engineering companies determine the feasibility and routing of offshore cables and pipelines.
  • Seabed investigations for, and installation of, offshore structures, such as wind turbines.
  • Navigating vessels for offshore construction activities, such as bridges and platforms.
  • Assisting with the positioning of remotely operated vehicles, autonomous underwater vehicles and unmanned surface vehicles for seabed mapping and geophysical investigations.
  • Providing survey services for mapping the coastal areas for erosion and environmental applications.

Future study options

• Take advantage of our joint master's program with Acadia University. Completion of the graduate certificate in Marine Geomatics is the equivalent of year one in the Master of Science in Applied Geomatics.
• Pursue certification as a Hydrographer through the Association of Canada Lands Surveyors.

Courses may include

These are some of the courses offered in this program. It is not a complete list and courses are subject to change in advance of the academic year.

Recognizing prior learning / transfer credits
If you have previous learning (course, employment, etc...) that's relevant to your program, you may be able to apply to earn credit. Not all programs are eligible. Learn about our recognizing prior learning (RPL) process.

Marine Geomatics Elective Course Requirement. Students must take two credits from a prescribed list of courses.