Introducing Programming to Ocean Mapping Students

Abstract

The next generation of ocean mappers need to master programming skills to meet increasingly higher expectations for timely ping-to-public data workflows. As such, the e-learning Python for Ocean Mapping (ePOM) project was established at the Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping/NOAA-UNH Joint Hydrographic Center (University of New Hampshire). The project aims to support new ocean mapping students and professionals in reaching a minimum level of programming skills. These skills are then expanded with further powerful capabilities by leveraging the open-source Python scientific stack and the NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration) Office of Coast Survey’s Pydro distribution. To the best of our knowledge, the ePOM project represents the first attempt at creating a set of comprehensive open-source courses providing students with the required initial coding skills for a career in the ocean mapping field.