Geomatics is not a new area of focus, but rather a regrouping of several other well-established ones. As a geomatics engineer, you combine the practices of land surveying, mapping, computer programming and technological data-mining to gather and use geographic data. Do you like finding new ways to use information? Are you a problem solver? Do you love combining new technology with traditional knowledge? A career as a geomatics engineer may be the right direction for you.
Geomatics engineers design, develop and operate systems for collecting and analyzing spatial information about land, oceans, natural resources as well as manmade infrastructure features. Geomatics engineers undertake computer modelling to solve a variety of problems that relate to spatial location using data from field surveys, lab experiments and other data collection methods.
Geomatics engineers can specialize in areas such as Geodetics Engineering (Global Surveyors), Navigation and Positioning Engineering, Photogrammetric or Remote Sensing Engineering or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Engineering.
These positions typically interact with those in other engineering departments, clients and other service providers. They employ various types of sophisticated technologies and geospatial information systems such as Global Navigation Satellite Systems, Inertial Navigation Systems, airborne (manned and unmanned) and space borne photography, ground based and airborne laser scanning systems, multispectral data collection and analysis, industrial metrology, computer hardware, software, firmware and related interfacing data acquisition systems. Geomatics engineers also perform remote sensing with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.
I'm interested in a career in
- Sub-sector Exploration and production, Oil and gas services, Pipelines, Oil sands
- Environment Primarily indoor/office work
- Average Salary $78,000 to $152,000
- Education Post-secondary degree
- Career Demand Stable
When you start in this occupation activities may include:
- Analyzing spatial information and data using plans, maps, charts and computer applications
- Monitoring remote sensing data or other geospatial data
- Planning, designing, developing and managing projects related to construction or repairing of extraction activities, facilities and pipelines
As you advance in this career, you may take on additional tasks including:
- Communicating with and coordinating outside suppliers and contractors or clients
- Communicating findings and interpretations internally and collaborating with other engineering positions
- Managing the planning and execution of remote sensing products and services
Education
- Geomatics Engineers require a four-year undergraduate degree in engineering with a specialization in geomatics or survey engineering and a license from the provincial engineering accreditation body.
Certification
- Standard and emergency first aid
- Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification by the Canada Green Building Council may be required by some employers.
- Construction Safety Training System (CSTS)
- H2S Alive
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
Licensing
- To obtain a license as a professional engineer (P.Eng) you must obtain a degree from an accredited engineering program, pass a professional practice exam and have three or four years of engineering experience, of which one year must be gained in Canada. You must also have Canadian citizenship or proof of permanent residency in Canada.
- Once licensed, engineers receive a seal to stamp their designs and drawings.
- Unlicensed engineers must work under the supervision of a P. Eng.
- Travel likely required
- Shiftwork/variable work hours
- Primarily indoor/office work
- Work not physically demanding
- Work away from home/in camps
You bring initiative and new ideas, you have strong math skills and can analyze spatial data. You are a problem solver. You also have strong communications skills and can convey complex ideas to others.
- Geography
- Critical thinking
- Quality control analysis
- Computers and electronics
- Engineering and technology
- Customer and personal service
- Programming
- Systems analysis
- Complex problem solving
- Planning and organizing
