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Mapping Technologist

Mapping technologists gather, analyze, and interpret geospatial information. They define locations of natural and manmade features on, above, and below the earth’s surface. The resulting data is applied in many fields. These include construction, environmental and land-use planning, natural resources, geology, and agriculture.

Also Known As

Cartographic Technologist, Photogrammetric Technologist, Remote Sensing Technologist, Surveying Technologist

NOC Codes

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

  • 2255.1: Cartographic Technologists and Technicians

2006 NOC-S

  • C155: Mapping and Related Technologists and Technicians

2011 NOC

  • 2255: Technical occupations in geomatics and meteorology

2016 NOC

  • 2255: Technical occupations in geomatics and meteorology

2021 NOC

  • 22214: Technical occupations in geomatics and meteorology

2023 OaSIS

  • 22214.01: Cartographic technologists and technicians
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2022

In general, mapping technologists design and prepare maps, interpret aerial photographs, and operate interpretive and airborne remote-sensing equipment. Developing and operating geographic information systems (GIS) is not uncommon.

Duties vary from one position to another. In general, mapping technologists:

  • Collect, manipulate, and present data using ground surveys, remote sensing, photogrammetry (drone and aerial photographs), light detection and ranging (LiDAR), and global navigation satellite systems (GNSS)
  • Collect and present data using unmanned vehicles (aerial and ground-based) or hydrographic methods
  • Use information from GNSS to determine locations
  • Use digital mapping applications such as GIS and computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) to generate maps and related graphs and charts
  • Process digital data to clean up graphical and attribute errors
  • Process aerial and satellite image data to correct images, topographic maps, image mosaics, and related products
  • Operate screen-based immersive 3D and virtual reality platforms
  • Plan control points and flight plans for aerial surveys
  • Operate remote-piloted airborne system (RPAS) sensing equipment for aerial survey, such as digital cameras and laser or radar sensors and scanners
  • Operate remote-sensing equipment to analyze data and prepare digital deliverables, such as reports, interactive 2D maps, and immersive 3D products
  • Verify the integrity and accuracy of data in remote-sensed images by analyzing survey and thematic information
  • Develop computer software, such as internet-based GIS, database, and business applications, to customize geographic information
  • Create integrated solutions combining data such as spreadsheets and statistical information, with GIS software
  • Train and provide technical support for GIS users
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2022
  • Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg

Mapping technologists work primarily in office settings. At times, they travel by land, water, or air to collect data in the field.

Interests & Abilities

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.

Cartographic Technologists and Technicians

2006 NOC: 2255.1

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
INNOVATIVE

Interest in designing and preparing maps and related graphs and charts from interpretation of geospatial data

METHODICAL

Interest in analyzing information to compile required data from aerial photographs, surveys notes, records, reports and other maps

OBJECTIVE

Interest in precision working with digital mapping techniques, computer interactive graphics, computer assisted design and drafting (CAD) software, traditional drafting methods and computer and traditional scribing tools to generate maps, graphs and charts

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

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.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

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.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2022

Mapping technologists need:

  • An aptitude for mathematics
  • Attention to detail
  • Communication skills
  • Problem-solving skills

They should enjoy generating maps. They should like analyzing information and compiling data. They should be comfortable performing precision tasks.

Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2022
  • Minimum Education 2 years post-secondary

The recommended educational background for mapping technologists is a 2-year diploma in geomatics engineering technology. Some employers prefer applicants who:

  • Have a diploma or degree in geographic information systems (GIS) technology
  • Focused their studies on data analysis and using GIS as a tool for decision-making rather than data collection

It is possible to learn on the job and take related courses part time, but this is not common.


Related Education

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.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2022
  • Certification Provincially Regulated

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 Technologist

Certified engineering technologists (CETs) use industry-recognized codes, standards, procedures, and practices to solve problems within their areas of expertise. Depending on their duties, they may need to be supervised by a Professional Engineer, Professional Geoscientist, or Professional Technologist (Engineering / Geoscience).

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and ASET Regulation [pdf], Certified Engineering Technologist (CET) is a protected title. This means that to call yourself a Certified Engineering Technologist (CET), you must register with the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET).

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 Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience)

Professional Technologists (Engineering) and Professional Technologists (Geoscience) are currently unique to Alberta. They practice independently according to established methodologies and specifications in engineering and geoscience. They have the authority to sign off and stamp work within a prescribed scope of practice.

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and Professional Technologists Regulation [pdf], you must register as a Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience) with the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) to:

  • Practise engineering or geoscience within a prescribed scope of practice
  • Use the titles Professional Technologist (Engineering) or Professional Technologist (Geoscience)
  • Use the abbreviations P.Tech. (Eng.) or P.Tech. (Geo.)

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience).

Additional Information

The Alberta Society of Surveying and Mapping Technologies (ASSMT) offers 4 levels of Certified Survey Technician and Technologist (CST). These are based on education and experience in the surveying and mapping industry. In general, the more related education an applicant has, the fewer years of experience are required for certification.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2022

Mapping technologists work for:

  • Private sector surveying and mapping companies
  • Forestry, architectural, engineering, and other consulting firms
  • Computer software companies
  • Natural resource companies
  • Utilities
  • All levels of government
  • Canadian Armed Forces

Experienced mapping technologists may advance to supervisory positions.

Industry Concentration

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 2255: Technical occupations in geomatics and meteorology occupational group, 79.4% of people work in:

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, the 2255: Technical occupations in geomatics and meteorology occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.1% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 20 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: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

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

Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2022

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.

Technical occupations in geomatics and meteorology

2016 NOC: 2255
Average Wage
$39.42
Per Hour
Average Salary
$77,488.00
Per Year
Average Hours
38.1
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 2255 Wage Profile

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.

A: High Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

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.


Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $19.23 $44.14 $31.39 $32.68
Overall $25.29 $58.46 $39.42 $38.46
Top $28.85 $70.67 $46.72 $45.19

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

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
Public Administration

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
24%
24%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
21%
21%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
0%
0%
Vacancy Rate
N/A
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Engineering and Science Technologies
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2022

Alberta Geomatics Group website: abgeogroup.org

Alberta Society of Surveying and Mapping Technologies (ASSMT) website: assmt.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.

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