Geomatics is a comprehensive discipline that uses arts, science, and technology to gather, store, process, model, analyze, and deliver spatially referenced or location information. It encompasses the fields of geodesy, Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), land surveying, hydrography, mapping, remote sensing (often called earth observation), photogrammetry, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Mainstream technologies, such as Google Earth, smartphones, 3D movies, and self-driving cars, are all based on geomatics technologies.
The Geomatics/Surveying Engineering Technology (Co-op) program prepares students for successful careers in their chosen branch of geomatics. Using state-of-the-art equipment and software, students acquire the skills and knowledge to excel in an ever-advancing industry.
Graduates of the program will be able to apply their skills and knowledge to any number of unique projects, including combating climate change, urban planning, constructing pipelines, operating and troubleshooting navigation systems, investigating lost property boundaries, seafloor structure installation and commissioning, and preserving tangible and intangible cultural heritage, to name just a few.
The Geomatics/Surveying Engineering Technology (Co-op) program boasts nearly a 100 percent employment rate, with graduates working all over the world and receiving competitive starting salaries ranging from $40,000 up to $100,000 annually, depending on the field and geographical location of employment. Recent graduates report immediate and sustained employment within the geomatics field.
With rapid advancements in technology from location-based mobile devices, data capture with drones or Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), cloud computing, augmented and virtual reality, and 3D modelling for construction, preservation, and renovations, the need for geomatics professionals is increasing at an accelerated pace.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
The diverse subject matter of geomatics allows graduates of the Geomatics/Surveying Engineering Technology (Co-op) program to obtain jobs in a number of different areas, including:
- Land Surveying and Cadastral Mapping
- Municipal Design
- Construction Engineering
- Ocean Mapping and Marine Construction
- Marine Seismic Survey
- Infrastructure and Resource Management
- Utilities Management and Mapping
- Environmental Monitoring
- Oil and Gas Development
- Mining Surveying and Mapping
- Cultural Preservation
Graduates of the program may also find themselves:
- using Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) and Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) for topographic mapping
- providing technical support for spatial data collection and integration for infrastructure management
- travelling the globe providing technical support
- producing 3D models
- using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing to provide advice on green mining projects
- providing offshore navigation and positioning for the installation of marine structures and the completion of marine seismic surveys
- conducting boundary retracement surveys for the production of legal land survey plans
Graduates with two years of progressive work experience may be eligible to receive the designation of Professional Technologist (P. Tech) upon completion of a Professional Practice and Ethics Exam.
Graduates who have obtained a certificate of completion from the Canadian Board of Examiners for Professional Surveyors (CBEPS) may become members of provincial survey associations, such as the Association of Newfoundland Land Surveyors (ANLS), and begin their training to become professional land surveyors. They may also become student members of the Association of Canada Lands Surveyors (ACLS) and members of Professional Surveyors Canada (PSC).
SKILL SETS ACQUIRED
Graduates of the Geomatics/Surveying Engineering Technology (Co-op) program will have employable skills in:
- Land Surveying
- Construction Surveying
- Geodetic Surveying
- Hydrographic Surveying
- Topographic Mapping
- Remote Sensing
- Photogrammetry
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS)
- Robotic Total Station Applications
- Terrestrial and Mobile 3D Laser Scanning
- Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS)
ACCREDITATION
This program is accredited by Technology Accreditation Canada under the mandate of the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists.
The academic credentials of graduates of accredited technology programs are recognized internationally by the signatories of the Sydney Accord. This provides graduates of the program with both national and international mobility for work and/or study.
The Geomatics/Surveying Engineering Technology (Co-op) program also receives several specific exam exemptions from the Canadian Board of Examiners for Professional Surveyors (CBEPS), which establishes, assesses, and certifies the academic qualifications of individuals who apply to become professional land surveyors and/or geomatics professionals in Canada.
Graduates of the Geomatics/Surveying Engineering Technology (Co-op) program:
- are automatically eligible for membership in the Association of Engineering Technicians and Technologists of Newfoundland and Labrador (AETTNL), as well as any similar association in Canada
- are eligible to further their education by completing a Bachelor of Technology (B. Tech) at Memorial University, which has an articulation agreement with the College of the North Atlantic
- can further their careers in geomatics by attending the University of New Brunswick, which awards graduates of the Geomatics/Surveying Engineering Technology (Co-op) program a limited number of credits toward a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BScE) in Geomatics Engineering
OBJECTIVES
Graduates of the Geomatics/Surveying Engineering Technology (Co-op) program will be able to:
- Assemble, manage, collect, process, and interpret geomatics project data.
- Design and establish horizontal and vertical survey networks, including error analysis and adjustments.
- Analyze, translate, and present processed geomatics data.
- Work in teams to plan and monitor various parts of geomatics projects.
- Evaluate and apply geomatics equipment and techniques to complete various geomatics projects.
- Identify and analyze physical features using various remote sensing techniques.
- Perform various engineering surveys for design, construction, and layout.
- Interpret, process, and analyze geomatics data to produce digital plans, drawings, and reports.
- Correctly apply principles of reference systems and reference frames, time systems, and earth properties when performing geodetic computations and surveys.
- Use aerial photogrammetry to produce various photogrammetric products.
CURRICULUM
General education consisting of Communications (oral or written), Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Electrotechnology, Computers, and Engineering Graphics.
Specific education in all aspects of Geomatics.
Practical education employing extensive field training to provide experience with instrumentation and software, through Surveying Camps and practical lab sessions.
Work exposure consisting of field experience, gained from compensated work terms, in the field of geomatics/surveying.
HANDS-ON LEARNING
The
Geomatics/Surveying Engineering Technology (Co-op) program provides students with opportunities for hands-on learning through the following:
- course laboratories
- two work terms
- two field camps
CERTIFICATIONS
In addition to the formal courses listed in the program of studies, students in the Geomatics/Surveying Engineering Technology (Co-op) program are required to obtain a certificate of completion, valid upon graduation, for the following:
- Standard First Aid/Heart Start
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems (WHMIS)
Additionally, students may have the option of obtaining the following certificate (when offered):
- Small Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), Visual Line-of-Sight (VLOS) Advanced Operations Certificate
Students should be aware that additional fees may apply for field camp activities as well as any external certifications required throughout the program.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility for admission to an Engineering Technology program requires the applicant to meet one of the following four academic criteria:
1. High School
High School Graduation Certificate with a 60% overall average in the following (or equivalent):
i. English (2 credits) (minimum 60%) from: 3201
ii. Mathematics (4 credits) chosen from:
Advanced: 2200, 3200 (50% minimum in each course)
Academic: 2201 (50% minimum), 3201 (60% minimum)
Note: Students who received a combined average of 70% in high school Academic Mathematics 2201 and 3201, or a pass in both high school
Advanced Mathematics 2200 and 3200 can be exempted from Math 1700. Students must apply for the exemption.
iii. Science (4 credits) two of which must be selected from:
Biology: 3201
Physics: 3204
Chemistry: 3202
Earth Systems: 3209
Note: The remaining two Science credits to be chosen from the highest Science mark in level 1, 2 or 3.
2. Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition
Comprehensive Arts and Science (Transition) Certificate with the following courses:
i. Math (60% MINIMUM)
MA1040,
MA1041
ii. Two Science courses chosen from one of the following three combinations:
Note: It is strongly recommended that CAS students who intend to enroll in Engineering Technology programs complete both of the Chemistry courses and both of the Physics courses.
3. Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with Degree and Technical Profile including the following courses (or equivalent):
i. English (60% minimum) 3101A, 3101B, 3101C or 3102A, 3102B, 3102C
ii. Mathematics (60% minimum) 1101A, 1101B, 1101C, 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, 3101C
iii. Science from one of the following sections:
a. Biology 1101, 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, 3101C
b. Chemistry 1102, 2102A, 2102B, 2102C, 3102A, 3102B, 3102C
c. Physics 1104, 2104A, 2104B, 2104C, 3104A, 3104B, 3104C
Applicants with Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with a different Profile may be eligible for admission to the program provided the appropriate selection of courses including those outlined above have been completed.
4. Mature Student Requirements
Applicants who do not meet the education prerequisites for this program, are 19 years at the time of application and out of school for at least one year may be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Requirements; for more information regarding the Mature Student Requirements please refer to
Procedure AC-102-PR Admission.
International Applicants – English Proficiency
All international applicants must meet the College’s English language proficiency requirements for acceptance into regular programs. The College will accept these recognized tests of English language proficiency (TOEFL paper based 550, TOEFL Internet based 79, TOEFL computer based 213 or equivalent, IELTS Academic Test overall band score of 6.0, or Pearson PTE 53 or greater, etc.).
If a language proficiency test other than those referenced above was used, applicants can forward for assessment.
If an international applicant has attended an educational institution (high school or post-secondary) for a period of three years or more where the official language of instruction was English, the English language proficiency test will not be required.
Note: Some programs may require specific English language requirements and proficiency scores that differ from those stated above; therefore international applicants are advised to please refer to the specific program admission requirements as identified in the College Calendar.