Services Provided by Multidisciplinary Hydrographers

A multidisciplinary hydrographer with the Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS) provides the following services:

  • Establish vertical control and horizontal geodetic control for the determination of sounding and chart datum and the provision of frameworks for positioning;
  • Measurement and position of bathymetric data, mostly performed aboard ships and launches using computers, precise electronic positioning systems and sophisticated echo-sounders;
  • Physically examine submerged potential hazards to navigation such as shoals, wrecks, cables, etc.;
  • Measure and analyze tides, water levels and currents;
  • Position navigational aids and verify new aids;
  • Acquire topographical data by using standard or photogrammetric techniques for coastal information requirements;
  • Gather qualitative and descriptive data required for complementary nautical information;
  • Process digital and non-digital data generally using computer-assisted methods, including providing input to databases for horizontal and vertical control, station descriptions and light descriptions;
  • Compare data from various sources and validate these data for inclusion in databases and products, and assess which information is sufficiently critical to safe navigation as to require Notices to Mariners action;
  • Manage graphical and textual hydrographic data in analogue and digital form;
  • Compile hydrographic data and supporting data into nautical publications such as charts, seabed imagery, bathymetric maps, tide tables, current atlases, and sailing directions;
  • Present chart data (point, line, alphanumeric information) according to national CHS charting standards in original paper chart format as well as electronic navigational charts in both vector and raster formats;
  • Perform quality assurance processes during all aspects of data acquisition, processing, management, transformation, updating and distributing operations;
  • Produce final negatives or digital files for printing nautical charts and publications;
  • Interact with different clients and the CHS distribution network;
  • Participate in developing and testing new equipment and processes; and
  • Apply and adhere to the quality management system.

Return to DFO's Career Opportunities with the Canadian Hydrographic Services.