Geomatics Technician

Geomatics is the science of measuring, interpreting, visualizing, and analyzing spatial information, often through three-dimensional models and maps. Geomatics technicians determine the exact locations and positions of natural and man-made features by collecting data from maps, surveys, remote sensing, and GIS databases. They work with sophisticated software to model and analyze visible surface features and what is hidden underground and underwater.

At a Glance

Imagine watching Vancouver during a severe earthquake, its coastal areas disappearing underwater, emergency routes cut off, natural gas-fed fires blazing, and buildings collapsing on every street. But you are safe. You are a geomatics technician thousands of kilometres away in your Toronto office.

What you're watching is a simulation built on a model of Vancouver to demonstrate the destruction of a magnitude 8 earthquake. You were asked to build this model by Vancouver's city planners, who are re-evaluating the transportation and storage of dangerous goods in the city's core and are concerned about the potential for spills should an earthquake hit the West Coast. This earthquake simulation model will give these planners valuable information and enable them to make wise decisions for the city's future.

As a geomatics technician/technologist, you took over a year to build this model. You and your team conducted a full-scale vulnerability study of Vancouver to make the earthquake simulation as real as possible. You started by identifying natural hazards such as fault lines, low-lying coastal areas, unstable slopes, and unconsolidated soils. You took the spatial information from these hazards and entered them into your geographic information system (GIS).

Next, you looked for potential man-made hazards, for example, dams, chemical manufacturing plants, petroleum refineries, and high-rise buildings, to add another dimension to your vulnerability map. You used GPS to gather information on important transportation networks, including freight and passenger train routes, dangerous goods routes, and major intersections through the city. You also added spatial data for underground utilities, water, natural gas, telephone, and electrical lines. You combined all these factors to produce the model, which demonstrates for your clients what would be the city's most vulnerable areas should a major earthquake shake Canada's west coast.

Job Duties

Job duties vary from one position to the next, but in general, geomatics technicians are involved in the following activities:

Gather spatial data and property information on buildings and other structures, for example, bridges, dams, tunnels, and refineries.
Assist in developing methods and procedures for conducting field surveys.
Link spatial data to various tabular data for land administration purposes.
Perform calculations and field layouts for horizontal, vertical, and spiral curves.
Conduct detailed surveys on projects such as highways, urban streets, and railways.
Produce thematic maps and websites.
Plan and conduct control surveys for mapping purposes.
Create and process digital databases to compile geographical information in numerical and graphical formats.

Work Environment

Geomatics technicians work in a variety of locations, including:

The office:

Gathering, entering, and analyzing spatial data, including managing and manipulating databases.
Generating maps, models, and websites.
Reviewing maps, photos, and surveys and capturing data.
Coordinating field logistics, including preparing equipment and materials.
Communicating on the phone and in meetings with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.

The field:

Recording and verifying data and map information.
Performing calculations and field layouts of survey sites.
Coordinating field logistics.

Where to Work

Federal, provincial/territorial, and municipal government departments
Surveying and computer mapping companies
Environmental and engineering consulting companies
GIS/geomatics and seismic services firms
Other industries, for example, oil and gas, tourism, forestry, and mining
Self-employed consultant

Search for jobs on the ECO Canada Job Board.

Education and Skills

Education

If you are considering a career as a geomatics technician, you should have a strong interest in:

Geography
Art
Computer science
Physics

If you are a post-secondary student considering a career as a geomatics technician, the following programs are most applicable:

Geographic information systems
Geomatics
Geography
Computer science
Environmental science

In most cases, the minimum education requirement is a university undergraduate degree.

Our Environmental Professional (EP) designation can also help you progress in your chosen environmental career.

Skills

Technical Skills

Geographic Information Systems
Surveying
Field surveys
Computer-Aided Design
Data collection
Able to think about geometric forms in a visual way

Personal and Professional Skills

Problem-solving
Attention to detail
Communication and observation skills
Physical fitness and endurance for fieldwork

Environmental employers seek professionals who combine technical knowledge with personal and professional skills. Watch our free webinar “Essential Not Optional: Skills Needed to Succeed in Canada’s Environmental Industry” or take our Essential Skills courses.

Role Models

Sarah MacLaurin

"I get to be creative with my job,” says geomatics technician Sarah MacLaurin. "I get to make visually pleasing, easy-to-read maps, and that definitely involves a big creative component, which I really like.” Sarah had entered an environmental studies program with the intention of transferring into earth sciences. But after a semester of geography and remote-sensing courses, her career choice had been made. "I really like the hands-on technical aspect of geomatics and of course the chance to be creative!”

Today, Sarah is creating multi-dimensional maps for the City of Yellowknife as a geomatics officer. She describes her job as making "maps on the fly” for specific uses by city departments. Sarah enjoys the dynamic nature of her job. "It’s always changing. There’s always something different on a day-to-day basis.” Most days, Sarah is at her desk making hard-copy maps for use in bylaw enforcement, municipal economic development, or urban planning presentations.

Another more recent component of her job is developing what she calls an "enterprise system,” whereby all geographical information within the city is more accessible and relevant to its employees. "I’m creating geographic tools so that a routine job in the municipal government that would normally take days to accomplish now would take minutes.” Sarah’s desire to streamline the city’s geographical information is also about freeing up some of her own time to focus on other aspects of her job.

Those include producing maps for other departments within the city, developing methods and procedures for field surveys, and improving the geographic information provided in current maps. As the only geomatics officer for the city, she is usually very busy. "Everyone really likes those strong visual maps and that visual component included in their presentations and reports.” A challenge of Sarah’s job is keeping abreast of geomatics technology: "You’re always on a steep learning curve with this job.” According to Sarah, if you rest on your laurels even for an instant you can fall behind quickly in this position. Part of her responsibility is to stay connected with the geomatics community: "I’m always looking at what’s changing and how does this new technology fit with my job. How will it help?”

Your Impact

Geomatics technicians play a crucial role in environmental conservation and management through their expertise in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting spatial data. By providing accurate and up-to-date spatial information, geomatics technicians contribute significantly to environmental research, conservation, and sustainable development. Their work aids decision-makers in developing effective policies and strategies to address environmental challenges.

There are several ways in which geomatics technicians contribute to environmental efforts. For example, they:

Help monitor and manage natural resources such as forests, water bodies, and wildlife habitats,
Use specialized tools and technologies to monitor changes in the environment over time,
Contribute to the mapping of habitats and ecosystems,
Assist in designing sustainable and environmentally friendly urban spaces,
Track the movements of wildlife,
Use spatial data to monitor shifts in temperature, precipitation patterns and sea levels, and
Participate in disaster preparedness and response planning by mapping vulnerable areas, assessing risks and planning evacuation routes.

Occupational Classification

Geomatics technicians are classified in the following occupational grouping:

NOC Code: 22213 – Land survey technologists and technicians

What is an NOC Code?

The National Occupation Classification (NOC) provides a standardized language for describing the work performed by Canadians in the labour market. It gives statisticians, labour market analysts, career counsellors, employers, and individual job seekers a consistent way to collect data and describe and understand the nature of work within different occupations.