Community and Education
We support learning at every stage — from students to professionals. Connect with mentors, access educational resources, and grow within a vibrant hydrographic community.
What is hydrography
Hydrography is the science of measuring and describing the physical features of oceans, seas, coastal areas, lakes, and rivers.
It plays a critical role in ensuring safe navigation, marine conservation, and coastal development
Hydrographic data supports nautical charting, marine spatial planning, and emergency response.
Accurate charts are essential for the safety of vessels, especially in Canada’s complex and vast coastal and inland waterways.
Modern hydrography uses advanced technologies such as multibeam sonar, LiDAR, satellite imagery, and autonomous vehicles.
These tools enhance data precision and efficiency, contributing to both commercial and scientific marine activities
The Canadian Hydrographic Association promotes excellence in hydrography by supporting professionals, students, and innovation in the field.
Our mission is to advance hydrographic knowledge, share best practices, and support a vibrant professional community.
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Educational resources
Student Bursary Program
We award bursaries annually to outstanding students who demonstrate passion, academic excellence, and a commitment to advancing hydrographic science.
Supporting the next generation of hydrographers is a key part of our mission. The CHA Student Bursary Program provides financial assistance to students pursuing studies in hydrography or related fields. Whether you’re just starting or continuing your academic journey, this initiative is here to help you grow, connect, and contribute to the future of the industry.
Sophie Laurent
Hydrographic Survey Technician
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Sophie Laurent
Hydrographic Survey Technician
Volutpat felis quis etiam at placerat tincidunt magna. Nunc quam lacinia sit mauris. Egestas massa aliquet blandit tempor massa facilisis morbi. Nec non molestie ultrices donec tincidunt dapibus lacinia. Nunc blandit vel varius varius lorem id egestas eu. Sed ut pretium nisl donec donec mattis odio. Orci ut urna neque et vitae imperdiet egestas iaculis.
Sophie Laurent
Hydrographic Survey Technician
Volutpat felis quis etiam at placerat tincidunt magna. Nunc quam lacinia sit mauris. Egestas massa aliquet blandit tempor massa facilisis morbi. Nec non molestie ultrices donec tincidunt dapibus lacinia. Nunc blandit vel varius varius lorem id egestas eu. Sed ut pretium nisl donec donec mattis odio. Orci ut urna neque et vitae imperdiet egestas iaculis.
2025 Student Bursary Recipients
“I am honored and grateful to receive this award as I complete my studies in the Master of Applied Ocean Technology program at the Marine Institute. Receiving this award has given me added confidence as I finish up my studies and begin to navigate the job market. I am beyond excited to be starting a new career in this highly innovative field, and this award only enhances my motivation to continue working hard and making a meaningful contribution to the hydrographic industry.”
Kelsey Forrest
Marine Institute
“ I’m incredibly grateful to the Canadian Hydrographic Association for awarding me this bursary.
As a second-year Master’s student in the Applied Ocean Technology program at Memorial University of Newfoundland, this recognition means so much to me. Growing up by the ocean, I was always curious about what lay beyond the horizon. Now, through my studies and experiences in ocean mapping, I’m starting to explore that world in a meaningful way.
This bursary is both encouraging and inspiring to know that there’s a community supporting students like me as we work toward making an impact in this field.
Thank you again for this incredible honour. “
Ashlen Mersereau
Marine Institute
“I am honoured and grateful to be a recipient of the Canadian Hydrographic Association (CHA) Student Bursary. Thank you to the CHA Student Bursary Program for your generous support and for your commitment to supporting the next generation of hydrographers. This bursary will help me continue to grow both academically and professionally in the field of hydrography.
As a Multidisciplinary Hydrographer with the Canadian Hydrographic Service and a participant in the Professional Development Apprenticeship Program, I am passionate about building my skills and contributing to the industry. The Nippon Foundation/GEBCO Training Program is an incredible opportunity for me to deepen my understanding of advanced ocean mapping technologies, support sustainable marine management, and collaborate with experts from around the world.Thank you again to the CHA for investing in students like me and in the future of hydrography.
Elizabeth Yates
University of New Hampshire
2024 Student Bursary Recipients
I am writing to thank you for selecting me as a recipient of the 2024 CHA Student Bursary. This award has helped many students pursue careers in the field of hydrography, and I am extremely grateful to be chosen as part of this effort to continue the support of students’ education.
I am currently in my second year of Geodesy and Geomatics Engineering at the University of New Brunswick and am very proud to be a part of GGE. This program and the people in it have shown me an entire field of study that I was not aware of before coming to UNB and have helped me to discover my love for ocean mapping and hydrography.
Working as an undergraduate research assistant for the Ocean Mapping Group this summer, I got to take part in many of the different aspects of ocean mapping and hydrographic surveying. Furthermore, I was fortunate enough to attend the Canadian Hydrographic Conference in St. John’s, introducing me to a world of career possibilities that have made me very excited about my future studies.
I want to thank you again for your continued support of students across Canada, and for the financial support that will help myself and others with pursuing our educations. I look forward to the future, and to hopefully contribute to the CHA during my career.
Sincerely,
Olivia Bacon
I am deeply thankful for this bursary from the Canadian Hydrographic Association.
This recognition strengthens my commitment to the field of hydrographic sciences and provides essential support as I pursue my Master of Applied Ocean Technology (Ocean Mapping). Being part of a community that promotes growth, innovation, and knowledge sharing is truly inspiring, and I look forward to continuing my journey with the aim of contributing to advancements in ocean mapping and technology.
Jordan A. Rees
CLS, PMP, P.Tech, B.Tech
J’étudie présentement à la maîtrise en sciences géomatiques – avec mémoire, et ce, dans le but de proposer une solution à une problématique foncière. Parallèlement à ma recherche, j’ai à cœur la promotion de la géomatique et je souhaiterais que cette discipline soit davantage connue, de même que ses applications, telles que l’hydrographie.
Je remercie grandement l’ACH pour l’obtention de cette bourse!
Laurence Tremblay
2023 Student Bursary Recipients
I want to thank you for this opportunity you’ve given me and to many students and for the support you’ve provided for those in need.
I applied for this scholarship with the hope that despite going into this semester with a baby on the way, I would be able to have the funding I needed to keep going for another semester and not be forced to take a whole year off. I am so grateful that I get to keep pursuing the education I’ve worked so hard for, and eventually get that dream career.
I’m currently in my fourth year at the University of New Brunswick pursuing Geodesy and Geomatics Engineering with a focus on Ocean Mapping, and it’s been a wild ride. I’ve worked for the Ocean Mapping Group and had focused my efforts on outreach. I presented at the Hydrographic Conference in Alabama earlier this year and preached about giving equal opportunity through student funding, research and events. I also had the opportunity to be an instructor over the summer in a program designed to get high school students familiar with the world of hydrography.
It’s programs and opportunities like these that gives students a chance to pursue their goals regardless of their backgrounds. And that is an amazing feeling not only from a student standpoint such as my own, but also from someone who continues to stand for giving equal opportunity for those who otherwise would miss out on a rewarding career.
Thank you again for such an amazing opportunity and please keep doing what you do! It makes the biggest difference to so many lives.
Lizz Christie
I am thrilled to be selected as one of the 2023 CHA Student Bursaries recipients. This award has motivated me to continue pursuing a career in hydrography and will allow me to achieve my academic goals.
I am in my second year of the Ocean Mapping program at the Marine Institute and have enjoyed every second of my studies. I have always admired the ocean’s mysteries and will continue to explore the ocean’s unknown as part of the ocean mapping team. I’ve learned much about the technologies and processes I can apply while working in the field. I am excited to complete my degree and begin my contributions to the hydrographic community.
I want to thank the Canadian Hydrographic Association for the honour and motivation that comes with this award. It will be a great help to me in the continuation of my studies.
Kind Regards,
Arnold Murphy
