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Engineering Technologist, GIS Technician / Technologist, Physical Sciences Technician / Technologist, Surveying Technologist
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
In general, geomatics technologists:
Geomatics technologists use various types of surveying equipment. This includes total stations (electronic distance-measuring instruments), global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), or a rod and level. They also use various software applications, such as ArcGIS, AutoCAD, and Google Earth.
Geomatics technologists work alone and in teams. They may work with:
They work indoors creating and studying data. They work outdoors conducting surveys in all weather conditions. They may need to travel extensively, sometimes to remote areas.
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 precision working to operate instruments and computer equipment to measure distance, angles, elevations and contours; to determine precise geographic locations using global positioning systems (GPS) equipment; and to prepare detailed drawings, charts and plans
Interest in analyzing latitude, longitude and angles to plot features, contours and areas; and in assisting survey engineers and professional surveyors to develop methods and procedures for conducting field surveys
Interest in supervising and co-ordinating field survey activities; and in recording measurements and other information obtained during field surveys
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 technologists 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 30 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Mar 03, 2022 and May 09, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Survey Specialization: Land survey | 21 |
|---|---|
| Computer Systems: Valid driver's licence | 18 |
| Work Site Environment: Outdoors | 18 |
| Work Setting: Various locations | 18 |
| Walking | 18 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 17 |
| Attention to detail | 17 |
| Tasks: Participate in field surveys and operate survey instruments and devices | 16 |
| Survey Specialization: Topographic survey | 15 |
| Overtime required | 15 |
The recommended background for geomatics technologists is a 2-year diploma in geomatics engineering technology. It is possible but not common to learn on the job and take related courses part time.
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 search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
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.
The Alberta Society of Surveying and Mapping Technologies (ASSMT) offers 4 levels of certified survey technician and technologist (CST) certification:
A fifth level of certification, registered survey technologist, is under development.
Applicants are certified based on a combination of education and experience gained in the surveying and mapping industry. In general, the more related education an applicant has, the fewer the years of experience required for certification.
All certified member applications are reviewed by:
Additional certification options are available from other organizations.
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.
Certified engineering technologists (CET) use industry-recognized codes, standards, procedures, and practices to solve problems within their technological areas of expertise. Depending on their duties, they may need supervision by a Professional Engineer, Professional Geoscientist, or Professional Technologist (Engineering / Geoscience).
Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and ASET Regulation [pdf], you must register with the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) to use the protected title Certified Engineering Technologist (CET).
You do not have to register if you do not call yourself a Certified Engineering Technologist.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Certified Engineering Technologist.
Professional Technologists (Engineering) and Professional Technologists (Geoscience) are currently unique to Alberta. They practice independently according to established methodologies and specifications in the fields of engineering and geoscience. They have the authority to sign off and stamp work within a prescribed scope of practice.
Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and Professional Technologists Regulation [pdf], you must register with the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) as a Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience) to:
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience).
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Geomatics technologists work for:
Geomatics technologists may be promoted to supervisor and be responsible for other technologists. They may also move into data processing, drafting, or project management. Technologists can become land surveyors if they pursue further education and training. Tto learn more, see the Land Surveyor occupational profile.
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.
In the 2254: Land survey technologists and technicians occupational group, 75.7% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 2254: Land survey technologists and technicians occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.6% from 2021 to 2025. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 45 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
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 example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
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.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $18.00 | $34.94 | $25.03 | $25.59 |
| Overall | $19.50 | $42.44 | $32.26 | $32.85 |
| Top | $22.00 | $59.05 | $39.16 | $41.87 |
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 | $66,203 |
|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $65,124 |
| Public Administration | $79,029 |
Alberta Society of Surveying and Mapping Technologies (ASSMT) website: assmt.ca
Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) website: www.aset.ab.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.
