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Geodetic 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:
| Starting | $37.83 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $51.38 |
| Top | $73.33 |
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
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 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.
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 co-ordinate lists.
Geomatics engineers may specialize in several different areas.
Geodetic engineers are global surveyors who help to:
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:
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.
Geomatics engineers need to possess:
They should enjoy:
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 12 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 18, 2020 and Jul 14, 2021.
Review these skills to learn:
| Develop construction specifications and procedures | 11 |
|---|---|
| Personal Suitability: Effective interpersonal skills | 11 |
| Personal Suitability: Accurate | 11 |
| Personal Suitability: Team player | 11 |
| Personal Suitability: Excellent oral communication | 11 |
| Personal Suitability: Organized | 11 |
| Personal Suitability: Judgement | 11 |
| Computer and Technology Knowledge: AutoCAD | 11 |
| Area of Specialization: Construction | 10 |
| Ensure construction plans meet guidelines and specifications of building codes and other regulations | 10 |
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.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
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], you must be a registered 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.
Registration as a Professional Engineer in Alberta requires successful completion of:
A new Provisional Member category has been introduced. For official, detailed information about registration requirements, contact APEGA.
Engineers who are registered and in good standing with a regulatory organization elsewhere in Canada are eligible for registration in Alberta if the 2 jurisdictions require similar responsibilities and competencies.
For more information, see What if I am already certified in another province or territory in Canada? and the APEGA website.
To learn about certification for internationally educated engineers, see Professional Engineer Registration Process.
Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA)
1500 Scotia One, 10060 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4A2
Canada
Call: 780-426-3990
Toll-free in North America: 1-800-661-7020
Email: email@apega.ca
Website: www.apega.ca
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.
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:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 2131: Civil engineers occupational group is expected to have an average annual growth of 1.9% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 154 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $23.60 | $61.62 | $37.83 | $33.49 |
| Overall | $34.38 | $73.02 | $51.38 | $49.79 |
| Top | $37.73 | $112.50 | $73.33 | $70.56 |
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.
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.
| Public Administration | $106,551 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $100,575 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $97,760 |
| Manufacturing | $97,468 |
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, 2018. 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.