Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Hydrographic Analyst

🎯 Role Definition

A Hydrographic Analyst is the critical link between raw marine data and actionable insight. This role is at the heart of transforming complex datasets collected from the field—like multibeam sonar, side-scan imagery, and sub-bottom profiles—into precise and meaningful geospatial products. You'll be the data expert, meticulously processing, cleaning, and analyzing vast amounts of information to map the seafloor, identify underwater features, and ensure navigational safety. This isn't just about crunching numbers; it's about telling the story of the underwater world through data, creating high-quality charts, 3D models, and technical reports that inform critical decisions in marine construction, environmental monitoring, resource exploration, and maritime operations.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Survey Technician (Hydrographic/Land)
Geomatics / Geospatial Graduate
GIS Analyst with a marine focus
Junior Data Processor

Advancement To:

Senior Hydrographic Analyst / Lead Data Processor
Hydrographic Project Manager
Marine Data Manager / Geospatial Manager
Certified Hydrographer (Cat A / Cat B)

Lateral Moves:

Geospatial Data Scientist
Marine Resource Manager
Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) Operations Specialist
GIS Developer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Process, analyze, and interpret large volumes of hydrographic and geophysical data, including multibeam and single-beam echosounder, side-scan sonar, magnetometer, and sub-bottom profiler data.
Utilize industry-standard software packages such as CARIS HIPS/SIPS, QPS Qimera/Fledermaus, and Hypack/Hysweep for data processing and quality control.
Perform rigorous quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) checks on collected and processed data to ensure it meets project specifications and IHO standards (e.g., IHO S-44).
Generate and manage finalized hydrographic deliverables, including Digital Terrain Models (DTMs), bathymetric charts, vector feature datasets, and comprehensive survey reports.
Conduct data cleaning and editing to identify and remove noise, artifacts, and outliers from bathymetric point clouds and sonar mosaics.
Manage geodetic parameters, performing coordinate transformations and ensuring the proper application of datums and projections throughout the project lifecycle.
Analyze and apply corrections for ancillary data, including sound velocity profiles, tides, vessel motion, and sensor offsets.
Interpret sonar imagery to characterize the seafloor, identify geohazards, locate underwater infrastructure, and detect potential navigation obstructions.
Create clear and compelling data visualizations, cartographic products, and 3D models for client presentations and technical reporting using GIS and specialized software.
Collaborate closely with field survey teams before, during, and after data acquisition to provide feedback on data quality and ensure project objectives are met.
Develop, document, and refine data processing workflows to enhance efficiency, consistency, and the quality of final products.
Prepare, review, and finalize detailed technical documentation, including Survey Reports, Data Processing Logs, and Project Execution Plans.
Manage and maintain the integrity of large geospatial datasets within the project database, ensuring proper version control and metadata documentation.
Troubleshoot issues with hydrographic data and processing software, providing technical solutions to complex data challenges.
Ensure all data processing and reporting activities adhere to company standards, client requirements, and relevant industry regulations.
Stay current with advancements in hydrographic technology, survey methodologies, and data processing software and techniques.
Assist project managers with survey planning, effort estimation, and the technical review of project scopes.
Conduct tidal analysis and apply computed or observed tidal correctors to bathymetric data to reference it to the correct vertical datum.
Perform crossline analysis and statistical evaluation of bathymetric datasets to quantify data accuracy and uncertainty.
Generate and attribute features based on S-57/S-100 data models for the production of Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs).

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis for internal and external stakeholders.
Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap by evaluating new software and technologies.
Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering and survey requirements.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data processing team.
Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior analysts and data processors.
Assist in the preparation of technical proposals and bids for new projects.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Hydrographic Data Processing: Expert proficiency in CARIS HIPS/SIPS, QPS Qimera, or equivalent processing suites.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Strong skills in Esri ArcGIS Pro/ArcMap or QGIS for data integration, analysis, and cartography.
Acoustic Data Interpretation: Experience analyzing multibeam echosounder (MBES), side-scan sonar (SSS), and sub-bottom profiler (SBP) data.
Geodesy: Solid understanding of geodetic principles, including datums, map projections, and coordinate systems.
3D Visualization: Competency with 3D analysis and visualization software such as QPS Fledermaus, EIVA, or similar.
Survey Software: Familiarity with hydrographic data acquisition software like Hypack, Qinsy, or EIVA NaviSuite.
Data Management: Experience managing large geospatial datasets, including understanding of database principles (SQL is a plus).
Scripting & Automation: Basic to intermediate skills in Python or other scripting languages to automate repetitive tasks and workflows.
IHO Standards: Knowledge of International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) standards, particularly S-44 for survey accuracy and S-57 for chart data.
Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Word and Excel for reporting and data analysis.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: A meticulous and precise approach to data processing and quality control is absolutely essential.
Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to diagnose and resolve complex data and software issues.
Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for creating technical reports and collaborating with team members and clients.
Time Management: Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Teamwork: A collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively with field personnel, project managers, and other analysts.
Adaptability: Willingness to learn new technologies and adapt to evolving project requirements and software updates.
Self-Motivation: The drive to work independently, manage tasks proactively, and take ownership of results.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in a relevant field.

Preferred Education:

Master of Science (M.S.) degree or a postgraduate certificate in a specialized hydrographic or geospatial field.
IHO/FIG/ICA Category "A" or "B" certification in Hydrography.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Geomatics / Geomatic Engineering
Hydrography / Ocean Mapping
Marine Science / Oceanography
Geography / Geographic Information Science (GIS)
Earth Sciences or Geology
Civil or Environmental Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2-7 years of direct, hands-on experience in hydrographic data processing.

Preferred:
Experience in specific industry sectors such as offshore energy (oil & gas, renewables), subsea telecommunications, port and harbor development, or dredging support. Experience working in both office and field environments is highly valued.