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  2. Technicians and Technologists
  3. Surveying and Geomatics Technologist

Surveying and Geomatics Technologist

NOC #22213

  • Environment Primarily indoor/office work
  • Education Post-secondary diploma
  • Average salary $54,000 to $89,000

Career profile

Surveying and geomatics technologists conduct or participate in surveying of natural and manmade structures on the Earth’s surface, as well as underground and underwater, to measure distance, angles, elevations and contours in order to determine exact locations and relative positions. They undertake research using land titles, aerial photographs, satellite imagery and geospatial databases. These technologists analyze data and perform calculations to prepare drawings, plans, charts and reports.

Surveying and geomatics technologists work alone or with teams of land surveyors, engineers or other technologists. They work indoors compiling and analyzing data, and outdoors conducting surveys in all weather conditions. In the course of their work, they use a wide variety of surveying and computer equipment including electronic distance measuring instruments and Global Navigation Satellite Systems, Geographic Information Systems, digital mapping systems and 3D scanning.

Surveying and geomatics technologists may specialize in one of the following types of surveys: geodetic survey, topographic survey, legal (cadastral) survey or engineering survey.

Exploration and production, Oil and gas services, Pipelines, Offshore, Well site decommissioning, Engineering, design and procurement, Solar, Wind

In this occupation activities may include:

  • Use geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing for spatial analysis
  • Determining precise geographic locations using global positioning systems (GPS) equipment
  • Researching land titles, legal survey plans, aerial photographs, satellite imagery, geographical databases and other relevant information when planning surveys
  • Using global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) to monitor earth orbiting satellites to determine geographic positions

Education

  • This occupation typically requires a two- to three-year diploma in geomatics or land survey technology although some experience may supplement the education requirements.

Certifications

  • Standard and emergency first aid
  • Construction Safety Training System (CSTS)
  • Pipeline Construction Safety Training (PCST)
  • H2S Alive®
  • Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
  • Fall protection

Licensing

  • Certification by provincial associations of technicians and technologists may be required by some employers. In Alberta this occupation is regulated by the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET). In Quebec, membership in the regulatory body for professional technologists is required to use the title Professional Technologist

  • Travel likely required
  • Shiftwork/variable work hours
  • Primarily indoor/office work
  • Physical work

You are observant with strong math skills and can analyze spatial data. You are a problem solver.

  • Attention to detail
  • Geography
  • Critical thinking
  • Document use
  • Computers and electronics
  • Computer use
  • Judgment and decision making
  • Design
  • Mathematics
  • Quality control analysis