Hydrographic surveyors measure and map the shape and location of land features below bodies of water. 

 

Hydrographic surveying requires training with different types of high-tech equipment and is used to measure erosion, guide dredging projects, explore for oil, or mark underwater hazards. The shipping industry, fishermen, recreational boaties, government researchers, oil and gas companies, utility networks and construction projects like harbours and bridges rely heavily on these types of surveys.

 

Land under water constantly changes due to currents and storms, so waterways and underwater assets are regularly surveyed to record changes. 

 

The demand for surveyors who have training in hydrographic surveying is high.  According to some estimates only 5 percent of the Earth’s oceans have been mapped and New Zealand has a huge continental shelf area that requires charting.