Coastal and Marine GIS Applications Training Course

Participants can select, verify and transform spatial reference systems for coastal and marine analysis.

• EPSG codes identified for projected, geographic and vertical coordinate systems
• Datum transformations selected from documented source and target reference frames
• Tidal datums distinguished from ellipsoidal heights and orthometric elevations
• Chart datum relationships checked before combining soundings and coastal topography
• Reprojection workflows preserve geometry, units and positional accuracy requirements
• Coordinate-system errors diagnosed through control points, overlays and metadata review

Participants can acquire, inspect and prepare mixed-format datasets for a defined marine project.

• Authoritative hydrographic, environmental and administrative data sources evaluated
• Raster, vector, tabular and netCDF formats matched to analytical requirements
• Field names, units and coded values standardised across incoming datasets
• Data schemas inspected for geometry types, null values and attribute domains
• ETL workflows convert source files into documented project-ready spatial layers
• Quality checks identify duplicates, topology defects and incomplete survey coverage

Participants can create consistent shoreline and coastal landform datasets from mapped and imagery sources.

• Shoreline indicators selected according to tidal stage and mapping purpose
• Heads-up digitising captures beaches, cliffs, estuaries and engineered defences
• High-water line uncertainty recorded through source scale and tide conditions
• Topology rules prevent gaps, overlaps and sliver polygons between coastal features
• Coastal landform classes assigned using defined interpretation keys
• Feature editing workflows maintain stable identifiers and change-history records

Participants can process depth observations into quality-controlled bathymetric surfaces and derivatives.

• Single-beam and multibeam sounding records prepared for spatial processing
• Soundings corrected for tide, draft, motion and vertical datum
• Outliers flagged using statistical filters, crosslines and sounding-density checks
• TIN and raster bathymetric surfaces generated from validated depth points
• Depth contours derived with intervals suited to navigation and planning
• Slope, aspect and terrain ruggedness calculated from seabed elevation models

Participants can manage hydrographic features while recognising the distinction between analysis and chart production.

• IHO S-57 feature concepts interpreted for hydrographic spatial datasets
• Navigation channels, aids and obstructions represented using consistent attributes
• Depth areas and safety contours symbolised for operational map interpretation
• Survey extents compared with planned routes and navigable-water boundaries
• Hydrographic updates tracked through source dates, survey status and confidence
• Analytical maps distinguished from officially authorised nautical chart products

Participants can select suitable remotely sensed imagery for coastal and marine monitoring questions.

• Sentinel-2, Landsat and aerial imagery compared for coastal monitoring
• Spatial, spectral, temporal and radiometric resolution matched to objectives
• Atmospheric correction concepts assessed before quantitative reflectance analysis
• Cloud, haze, glint and turbidity effects identified in coastal imagery
• Image acquisition dates screened against tides, seasons and weather
• Band combinations reveal vegetation, suspended sediment and shallow-water features

Participants can prepare coastal imagery for interpretation and reduce common water-related distortions.

• Radiometric calibration converts digital numbers into comparable reflectance values
• Geometric alignment checked against control features and reference imagery
• Cloud and shadow masks remove unusable pixels from analysis
• Sun-glint correction methods reduce specular reflection over water surfaces
• Water-column attenuation considered when interpreting submerged benthic features
• Image mosaics balanced for colour, acquisition conditions and overlap quality

Participants can produce habitat maps using classification methods, field evidence and accuracy assessment.

• Habitat classification schemes defined for mangroves, seagrass, reefs and wetlands
• Training samples selected from field observations and verified reference imagery
• Supervised classification applies spectral signatures to habitat mapping
• Object-based image analysis compared with pixel-based classification approaches
• Confusion matrices calculate producer, user and overall classification accuracy
• Habitat polygons refined using ancillary depth, substrate and exposure data

Participants can measure and explain shoreline and land-cover change using repeat spatial datasets.

• Multi-date shorelines aligned to common datum, projection and indicator definitions
• Baseline and transect methods calculate shoreline movement rates
• End Point Rate and Linear Regression Rate compared
• Change polygons quantify erosion, accretion and land-cover conversion areas
• Uncertainty envelopes combine positional error, tidal variation and digitising error
• Change results interpreted alongside storms, engineering works and sediment supply

Participants can analyse marine uses, constraints and potential conflicts within a planning area.

• Planning zones assembled from jurisdictional, ecological and operational boundaries
• Shipping lanes, fishing grounds and energy sites mapped as use layers
• Buffer analysis identifies influence zones around sensitive marine receptors
• Overlay analysis exposes conflicts between proposed activities and constraints
• Multi-criteria evaluation ranks candidate areas using transparent weighted factors
• Scenario maps compare alternative zoning or development proposals

Participants can build transparent spatial suitability models for marine habitats and conservation actions.

• Ecological criteria translated into measurable spatial variables and thresholds
• Bathymetry, substrate, temperature and exposure prepared as predictor layers
• Weighted overlay models document scores, weights and exclusion criteria
• Boolean suitability rules distinguish mandatory constraints from preference factors
• Sensitivity analysis tests the effect of changed model weights
• Protected-area gaps assessed against habitat representation and pressure indicators

Participants can map coastal hazard exposure and identify assets requiring further assessment.

• Storm surge, inundation, erosion and sea-level rise hazard layers prepared
• Digital elevation models assessed for resolution, vertical accuracy and artefacts
• Inundation screening applies elevation thresholds and connected-water assumptions
• Critical assets geocoded from infrastructure registers and field inventories
• Exposure intersections identify roads, facilities and communities within hazard zones
• Risk maps separate hazard intensity, exposure and vulnerability indicators

Participants can manage and analyse spatial records for port, harbour and offshore assets.

• Asset registers linked to spatial features through persistent unique identifiers
• Berths, pipelines, cables and navigational aids modelled as managed assets
• Inspection locations joined with condition ratings and maintenance history
• Proximity analysis identifies assets exposed to dredging or construction works
• Route corridors assessed against bathymetry, protected areas and exclusion zones
• Operational dashboards specified using update frequency, ownership and decision needs

Participants can design field data capture that integrates reliably with marine GIS datasets.

• Field forms define mandatory attributes, domains, photographs and observation codes
• GNSS accuracy requirements matched to shoreline, habitat and asset surveys
• Survey tracks and observation points validated against planned coverage areas
• Mobile data collection synchronised with controlled project data schemas
• Quality assurance procedures review completeness, positional accuracy and attribute validity
• Field evidence linked to imagery interpretation and habitat classification decisions

Participants can apply basic spatial statistics and sampling designs to marine monitoring data.

• Random, systematic and stratified sampling designs compared for habitat surveys
• Spatial autocorrelation considered before interpreting clustered observation patterns
• Kernel density estimation maps concentrations of incidents or observations
• Hot Spot Analysis identifies statistically significant clusters of marine events
• Interpolation assumptions reviewed before estimating unsampled environmental conditions
• Monitoring locations selected to represent gradients, strata and operational constraints

Participants can document and automate repeatable geoprocessing workflows for marine GIS work.

• ModelBuilder and QGIS Processing models sequence repeatable geoprocessing tasks
• Batch processing applies consistent parameters across survey areas and dates
• GDAL commands convert, reproject and compress geospatial raster datasets
• Naming conventions support traceable inputs, intermediate files and final outputs
• Workflow documentation records parameters, assumptions, versions and quality checks
• Automated outputs reviewed before release through defined acceptance criteria

Participants can create clear maps and reporting graphics for technical and non-technical marine decisions.

• Map purpose determines scale, projection, extent and information hierarchy
• Bathymetric colour ramps preserve depth perception without obscuring critical features
• Label placement prioritises navigational, environmental and operational readability
• Uncertainty communicated through notes, symbology, confidence classes and source statements
• Layout templates include coordinate grids, datum notes, legends and disclaimers
• Story maps and web layers planned for stakeholder access and update control

Participants can establish quality controls and an implementation plan for a marine GIS service.

• Acceptance criteria define positional accuracy, completeness and attribute validity thresholds
• Topology, domain and range checks validate spatial database integrity
• Data lineage records source authority, processing steps and responsible staff
• Version control procedures manage edits, approvals and published dataset releases
• Risk registers address data gaps, confidentiality, licensing and misinterpretation
• Implementation roadmaps assign milestones, roles, systems and maintenance responsibilities

Participants can build, review and present a complete coastal or marine GIS project that answers a defined operational question.

• Project brief defines decision question, users, scope and success criteria
• Data inventory documents sources, datums, quality limitations and permissions
• Analytical workflow combines prepared layers, geoprocessing methods and assumptions
• Maps and summary statistics communicate findings to intended decision-makers
• Peer review tests reproducibility, accuracy, interpretation and presentation quality
• Final presentation recommends actions, limitations, updates and governance arrangements