Geomatics

Mapping and related technicians and technologists gather, analyze, interpret and use geospatial information for applications in natural resources, geology, environment and land use planning. This unit group includes technologists and technicians, who design and prepare maps, interpret aerial photographs, operate interpretative and airborne remote sensing equipment, and develop and operate geographical information systems. They are employed by all levels of government, the armed forces, utilities, mapping, computer software, forestry, architectural, engineering and consulting firms and other related establishments.

On the Job...

Things that Cartographic technicians and technologists do at work are:

• Plan map content, format and design and compile required data from aerial photographs, survey notes, records, reports and other maps.
• Generate maps and related graphs and charts using digital mapping techniques, computer interactive graphics, computer assisted design and drafting (CAD) software, traditional drafting methods and computer or traditional scribing tools.
• Inspect final compositions to ensure completeness and accuracy. 

Photogrammetric technologists and technicians perform some or all of the following duties:

• Examine and interpret aerial photographs to prepare topographic maps, aerial-photograph mosaics and related charts.
• Operate digitized stereoscopic plotting and computer graphics equipment to provide three-dimensional optical models of terrain, to trace maps, and to prepare charts and tables.

Things that Photogrammetric technicians and technologists do are:

• Operate airborne remote sensing equipment such as survey film or digital cameras, laser or radar sensors and scanners which produce images of large areas of the earth, coastline, or of the atmosphere.
• Monitor recording quality and adjust equipment as required and inspect quality of recorded images.

Career Options

• AERIAL SURVEY TECHNICIAN
• CARTOGRAPHER
• CARTOGRAPHIC TECHNICIAN
• GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS) TECHNICIAN
• MAP EDITOR
• MAPPING TECHNICIANS AND TECHNOLOGISTS
• PHOTOGRAMMETRIC TECHNOLOGIST
• PHOTOGRAMMETRIST
• REMOTE SENSING (RS) TECHNICIAN
• SOFTCOPY PHOTOGRAMMETRIST
• AIRBORNE GEOPHYSICAL EQUIPMENT OPERATORS
• SURVEYTECHNOLOGISTS AND TECHNICIANS

On the Job...

Things that Remote sensing technicians and technologists do at work are:

• Operate analog or computer-based remote sensing interpretive equipment to prepare images, graphic and alphanumeric reports, maps and charts from airborne or satellite data.
• Develop specialized analog and computer software specific routines to customize and integrate image analysis.
• Verify the integrity and accuracy of data contained in remote sensing image analysis systems.

Things that Geographic information systems (GIS) technicians and technologists do at work are:

• Operate specialized computer hardware and software and peripheral equipment to model, manage, analyze and display geospatial data.
• Develop specialized computer software routines, internet based GIS, database and business applications to customize geographic information.
• Work with external organizations on data transfer and systems compatibility issues.
• Perform data entry and editing activities and maintenance operations to systems following pre-determined calibration procedures.

Educational Requirements:

Completion of secondary school is required.

Technologists in this unit group require completion of a two to three-year college program in cartography, photogrammetry, aerial survey, remote sensing, geographic information system or geomatics.

Technicians in this unit group require completion of a one to two year college program in cartography, photogrammetry, aerial survey, remote sensing, geographic information system or geomatics.