Shari Bowen Robinson charting new waters as Jamaica’s first nautical cartographer

AT THE forefront of Jamaica’s maritime landscape, one woman is reshaping how the nation perceives, understands, and safeguards its surrounding waters.

With a passion anchored in both precision and creativity, Shari Bowen Robinson has become Jamaica’s first certified nautical cartographer – a title earned through years of dedication, sacrifice, and a vision extending far beyond the shoreline.

“I have always had a passion for visual representation and creative expression,” she said, noting that “I enjoyed all my art classes, painting, interior decor, architectural or technical drawings, and it is from then I knew I had a love for visuals”.

Her early fascination with visual storytelling set the stage for a path she had yet to discover. It wasn’t until university, during her studies in urban and regional planning, that she encountered the field of cartography, the science or practice of drawing maps.

Bowen Robinson recounted that, “when introduced to cartography in university, I found myself naturally drawn to the artistic and technical aspects of mapping and chart creation; I find immense satisfaction in creating visual representations that serve both practical and safety purposes”.

Still, it took curiosity and courage to navigate the world of marine mapping, a highly specialised and often overlooked branch of cartography.

“To be honest, I was just as unaware of the field like many others. But my curiosity had me trying to find out various avenues that cartography would provide; so, when I learned that they trained persons to make charts, I didn’t hesitate to jump at the opportunity,” Bowen Robinson said.

strong foundation

Her academic journey began with her bachelor of science in urban and regional planning at the University of Technology, providing a strong foundation. She then became a cartographer at the National Land Agency (NLA), where she honed the technical aspects of land cartography. But the real turning point came with a rare opportunity to study abroad.

“I got the opportunity to go to the United Kingdom to study in the Category B Geospatial Marine Analysis and Cartography (GEOMAC) Programme at the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office,” Bowen Robinson shared, highlighting the focus on international charting standards and maritime navigation safety.

Each academic, professional, and personal milestone brought her closer to a role no Jamaican had ever held before.

“My educational and professional progression, from urban planning through land cartography to specialised marine cartography, where each step built upon the previous one, ultimately led to my position as Jamaica’s only nautical cartographer,” Bowen Robinson said.

She described the job as complex yet critical, with responsibilities ranging from project planning to data collection and validation.

“But the end goal is always to ensure that I am providing the client with an accurate visual product which will aid in their decision-making,” she added.

Bowen Robinson has applied her expertise to key national projects, including mapping the East and West channels into the Kingston Harbour, Ocho Rios Bay’s pier redevelopment, and marine studies in Discovery Bay and Port Antonio.

She said her charts also support national interests by “serving as a foundation for informed decision-making across multiple sectors like development or environmental protection, as well as transforming complex geographic data into understandable visualisation aids in route planning for marine safety”.

Still, Bowen Robinson acknowledged that the journey hasn’t been without its challenges.

“The lack of awareness and knowledge on the importance of charting is, by far, the largest challenge I have, which results in constant advocating for the crucial role of nautical charting to our country’s development,” she pointed out.

Despite working in a niche, male-dominated field, she added that she has found valuable support within her environment.

“My male colleagues have been consistently welcoming and supportive, recognising my expertise as a specialist in the field,” Bowen Robinson said.

Her dedication to the field hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2024, the nautical cartographer represented Jamaica at the MesoAmerican-Caribbean Sea Hydrographic Commission (MACHC) in Panama, where she assumed the role of vice chair for the MACHC International Charting Coordination Working Group.

critical domain

This leadership role underscored both regional respect and the rising influence of Jamaican expertise in this critical domain.

As a scientist and artist in equal measure, she is acutely aware of the responsibility her work carries.

“It requires me to have a thoughtful approach, balancing technical precision with real-world implications,” Bowen Robinson indicated.

She noted that with continuous advances in technology, such as high-specification equipment, drone imagery, and advanced software, production times have shortened and accuracy has improved.

“[Consequently], mapping may move away from the traditional paper based-charts and fully embrace the electronic navigational charts,” she added.

By integrating these technological advancements into her daily work, Bowen Robinson’s charts have become indispensable – guiding policy decisions, ensuring safety, and supporting survival, particularly amid climate change, coastal development, and disaster risk.

“The data in my line of work would allow the relevant personnel to conduct environmental monitoring and prediction, as a risk assessment can take place from the analysis of the data collected for disaster preparedness,” she indicated.

While she primarily collaborates with hydrographers and photogrammetrists, Bowen Robinson envisions a more integrated future — one where expertise converges to enhance maritime mapping and navigation.

“I do see the need and would love to collaborate with marine biologists or urban planners who may provide spatial analysis capabilities,” she said.

As Jamaica’s first and only nautical cartographer, Bowen Robinson’s achievement is more than a professional milestone; it’s a legacy in the making.

“For me, it’s a privilege to contribute to Jamaica’s maritime heritage while helping to shape its future. It means I must be a specialist, a pioneer, and a mentor,” she said.

That sense of duty drives Bowen Robinson to clear the path for others.

“We hear that Rome wasn’t built in a day; but I am [also] pretty sure it wasn’t built by just one individual. I see an empire in the making, and I plan to push through the doors to build our capacity to where it needs to be,” she stated.

Bowen Robinson’s message to young Jamaicans, especially girls interested in science and mapping, is simple but powerful: “Adopt an ‘if not me, then who?’ mindset; your success will pave the way for others.”

Looking ahead, her goals are focused on expanding Jamaica’s cartographic capacity.

“I [am aiming] to ensure Jamaica has strong, sustainable nautical cartography production that can serve our maritime and hydrographic needs well into the future,” Bowen Robinson declared.

Globally, she also sees nautical cartography gaining relevance and anticipates it “becoming a profession that is highly sought after, [ultimately] becoming the Caribbean’s gold standard”.

Yet, beyond the technical work and national milestones, Bowen Robinson’s greatest fulfilment comes from seeing the impact of her maps, pointing out that “it gives me a strong sense of purpose and satisfaction in my role”.

When she’s not working, Bowen Robinson can often be found by the sea, especially in Negril, where tranquil waters reveal a world of clarity and beauty just beneath the surface.

When asked about her favourite chart, she said “it’s hard to point out one, as with every map I’ve created, I learned something different”.

Bowen Robinson’s journey has been built layer by layer, with each step revealing greater depth, clarity, and a legacy that is only just beginning to take shape.

JIS