Geomatics 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: Civil Engineers (2131) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Civil Engineers (C031) 
• 2011 NOC: Civil engineers (2131) 

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:

• spatial referencing networks for environmental monitoring
• deformation analysis
• legal boundary delineation
• precise engineering surveys, scientific studies, and topographic mapping
• real-time and post-mission data acquisition in support of positioning and navigation
• developing and implementing geographic information systems (GIS) and software.

Geomatics engineers use measurement-related technologies such as:

• global navigation satellite systems (GNSS)
• inertial navigation systems (INS)
• airborne (manned and unmanned) and space-borne photography
• ground-based and airborne laser scanning systems (LiDAR)
• multispectral data collection and analysis
• industrial metrology
• computer hardware, software, firmware, and related data-acquisition system interfacing
• electronic distance, angle and height measurement and calibration
• digital cartography and global information systems (GIS)
• unmanned vehicles for survey and data collection.

The data collected is made available through various means. These can include digital data repositories, conventional maps, GIS, or attributed co-ordinate lists.

Geomatics engineers may specialize in several different areas.

Geodetic engineers are global surveyors who help to:

• establish a global net of reference points by satellite and other extraterrestrial positioning methods
• design and develop real-time geospatial information systems
• determine the geoid (the basic reference surface for heights) from gravity and satellite altimetric measurements
• monitor movement in the earth’s crust and measure variations in the shape and gravity field of the earth
• establish positions and water levels on the sea using satellite and radio positioning methods.

Land surveyors plan, direct, and carry out legal surveys. They try to find the location of boundaries, contours and other natural or human-made features and understand them. To learn more, see the Land Surveyor occupational profile.

Navigation and positioning engineers:

• develop navigation systems such as GNSS, INS, and use these systems to position, navigate, guide, and control air, land, and sea vehicles
• design and write custom software to help various hardware systems work together
• develop user interfaces for navigation and guidance systems.

Photogrammetric and remote sensing engineers:

• use photographs taken on the ground, from aircraft and from space
• use other digital remote sensing techniques such as ground-based or airborne laser scanning systems to collect information about specific features of the earth
• direct the overall planning and development of mapping projects
• determine aerial photographic and remote sensing requirements
• determine the type of acquisition and plotting equipment to be used
• determine the aerial photography and remote sensing techniques and computer software needed to meet the required standards of accuracy
• create maps based on the information collected.

Geographic information systems engineers:

• organize different types of position-related information into consistent databases
• develop software and analysis tools for using this data in:
• urban planning and management
• resource exploration
• environmental management
• land use studies.

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.

Geomatics engineers need to possess:

• math skills
• the ability to think logically and critically
• the ability to study spatial problems and measurements
• the ability to solve problems
• speaking and listening skills
• people skills
• the ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.

They should enjoy:

• being innovative
• doing precision work
• making decisions
• supervising others
• having variety in their work.

Geomatics engineers work for:

• geomatics, survey, or mapping firms
• positioning and navigation companies
• engineering and other high-tech companies
• building or defense contractors
• petroleum and mining companies
• remote sensing companies
• geographic information companies and software developers
• computer graphics companies
• public utilities
• municipal, provincial, and federal departments.

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.

Geomatics engineers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2131: Civil engineers. In Alberta, 83% of people employed as civil engineers work in the following industries:

• Professional, Scientific and Technical Services [pdf]
• Public Administration [pdf]
• Construction [pdf]

The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events that affect overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities that come up when people leave existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities that come up when new positions are created)
• size of the occupation.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) website: www.apega.ca

For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.