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Geodetic Engineer, Geoinformatics Engineer, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Engineer, Geospatial Engineer, Photogrammetric and Remote Sensing Engineer, Professional Engineer, Remote Sensing Engineer, Surveying Engineer
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Geomatics engineers use sensors on the ground, in the ocean, in the air, and on satellites to gather data. They use this data to develop information systems. These systems are suitable for land use planning and landscape analysis. For example, they may acquire and integrate data for:
Geomatics engineers use measurement-related technologies such as:
The data collected is made available through various means. These can include digital data repositories, conventional maps, GIS, or attributed coordinate lists.
Geomatics engineers may specialize in several different areas. For example:
Geodetic engineers are global surveyors who help to:
Land surveyors plan, direct, and carry out legal surveys. They find the location of boundaries, contours, and other natural or human-made features and interpret them into the survey. To learn more, see the Land Surveyor occupational profile.
Navigation and positioning engineers:
Photogrammetric and remote sensing engineers:
Geographic information systems engineers:
Geomatics engineers may work in offices and labs. They may also work in the field, often in remote areas. In general, survey technicians do the fieldwork for land surveyors. Experienced engineers tend to spend more time in office settings.
Fieldwork may involve operating off-road vehicles. It can also mean working in severe weather conditions. Engineers may have to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 20 kilograms.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in synthesizing information to conduct research in order to determine project requirements, to develop construction specifications and procedures, and to conduct feasibility studies, economic analyses, municipal and regional traffic studies, environmental impact studies and other investigations
Interest in precision working to conduct technical analyses of survey and field data for development of topographic, soil, hydrological and other information; in conducting field services for civil works; and in monitoring air, water and soil quality and developing procedures to clean up contaminated sites
Interest in supervising technicians, technologists and other engineers; and in overseeing land surveys and construction work, in approving survey and civil design work, in evaluating and recommending building and construction materials, in approving designs, calculations and cost estimates, in ensuring that construction plans meet guidelines and specifications of building codes and other regulations, and in establishing and monitoring construction work schedules
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Geomatics engineers need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 109 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 12, 2021 and Nov 21, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Evaluate and recommend appropriate building and construction materials | 64 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Interpret, review and approve survey and civil design work | 64 |
| Tasks: Confer with clients and other members of the engineering team and conduct research to determine project requirements | 55 |
| Tasks: Develop construction specifications and procedures | 53 |
| Tasks: Prepare contract documents and review and evaluate tenders for construction projects | 52 |
| Tasks: Conduct field services for civil works | 50 |
| Tasks: Establish and monitor construction work schedules | 50 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 48 |
| Construction Specialization: Accurate | 46 |
| Tasks: Ensure construction plans meet guidelines and specifications of building codes and other regulations | 46 |
The minimum requirement is a 4-year bachelor’s degree in geomatics engineering.
Geomatics engineers must have an interdisciplinary background in:
The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Professional engineers design, construct, evaluate, advise, monitor, and report on the performance of materials, equipment, systems, works, processes, and structures.
Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and Engineering and Geoscience Professions General Regulation [pdf], you must register as a member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) to practice as a Professional Engineer or engage in the practice of engineering.
You do not have to register if you work under the direct supervision of a professional engineer and do not call yourself a Professional Engineer or use the word “engineer” in your job title.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Engineer.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Geomatics engineers work for:
Experienced geomatics engineers may move up to supervisor or administrator roles. Those with a sound technical background and good management skills have excellent prospects for advancement.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Civil engineers
2016 NOC: 2131
78.8% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $27.00 | $64.79 | $40.18 | $36.39 |
| Overall | $35.21 | $81.07 | $52.19 | $49.12 |
| Top | $39.23 | $134.90 | $72.23 | $68.00 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $104,417 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $106,922 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $103,671 |
| Public Administration | $108,915 |
Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) website: www.apega.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2022. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
