Hydrographic Science
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Hydrographic Science

M.S. Program Overview

Pearl River Flythrough


Video: Bathymetric fly through of the lower Pearl River, MS

Background

The USM Hydrographic Science Graduate Program began as a joint venture between the DMS and the Naval Oceanographic Office. USM contributes the academic environment including faculty support, as well as research, educational facilities and equipment. NAVOCEANO contributions include field support in the form of equipment loans and a multi-beam data collection platform; and support personnel and students. The program received Category A certification from the International Congress of Surveyors/ International Hydrographic Organization’s International Advisory Board on Standards of Competence for Hydrographic Surveyors in April, 2000. To date, the program has awarded 86 master’s degrees. Since its inception, the program has progressed from 100% student enrollment through NAVOCEANO, to a diverse mixture of students from NAVOCEANO, NGIA, U.S. ACE, NRL, NOAA, the private sector, as well as foreign navies and hydrographic offices.

The Program

Most students follow the accelerated one-year track, which includes two semesters of theory and one semester of application, combining for about 50 continuous weeks of study. Students can choose to complete the program in two years and conduct research with the HSRC. Only two-year students are eligible for assistantships. The degree awarded is a non-thesis masters in hydrographic science.

The Hydrographic Science Field Project consumes the last six weeks of the program. Although the actual project is conducted at the end, many practical exercises completed during the year are directed towards the area where this project will be executed. The project is comprised of a complete nautical charting hydrographic survey including

    • Data mining for the project area
    • Planning, preparation and development of Hydrographic Survey Specifications for the project area
    • Data collection (multi-beam, single-beam, side-scan sonar, tides, sound velocity, shoreline, navaids, etc.)
    • Data processing and analysis
    • Quality assurance checks (IHO S-44 specifications)
    • Final field sheet and field chart production
    • Electronic Nautical Chart production
    • Completion of a comprehensive Report of Survey
    • Presentation of the project and results to the examination committee

Data collection platforms include a NAVOCEANO multi-beam training vessel as well as 21’ and 30’ USM research vessels. The multi-beam system gives the students exposure to state-of-the-art technology and processes, while the USM vessels give the students the opportunity to build a fully functioning hydrographic survey platform from a small boat. The final charts and report of survey are submitted to the National Ocean Service for evaluation and assessment. If deemed acceptable, the information is used to update existing nautical charts.