The study of Geomatics is multidisciplinary in the sense of the many diverse subjects of expertise. Some of these subjects include astronomical navigation by stars, ocean floor mapping for applications such as shipwreck & treasure hunting, expert witnessing in a court of law due to property & boundary disputes, aerial photography & map design, geodetic control surveys and analysis, and GIS modeling and analysis. These topics are based on a firm foundation in the sciences of mathematics, physics and understanding of statute & common law. The associated areas of communications, management, and economics are also an integral part of the program.
Geomatics is a multidisciplinary field of study encompassing a wide range of diverse subjects including; GNSS, astronomical navigation, acoustics, GIS analysis, spatial data management, aerial photography, map design, cadastral and construction surveying, remote sensing and image analysis, geodetic control surveys and network design. These topics are based on a firm foundation in the sciences of mathematics and physics, an understanding of statue and common law, communications and economics. This diverse subject matter allow graduates of the Geomatics/Surveying Technology program to obtain jobs in a number of different fields including, legal land surveying, construction and engineering surveying, ocean floor mapping, oil & gas development, resource management, land development, and data management.
ACCREDITATION
The Graduates completing this 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.
Upon completion of this program graduates may choose to further their education by completing a bachelor degree in technology or engineering at one of several institutions that have articulation agreements with College of the North Atlantic.
For graduates who desire to further their careers in Geomatics, the University of New Brunswick awards a limited number of credits for this program toward a Bachelor’s Degree in Surveying Engineering.
This program is also CAFCE (Canadian Association for Cooperative Education) accredited.
The academic credentials of graduates of accredited technology programs are recognized internationally by the signatories of the Sydney Accord.
OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of the Geomatics/Surveying Engineering Technology program the graduate will be able to:
1. Collect, analyze, manage and distribute of spatial information as per standard industry practices.
2. Apply professional and quality assurance standards to execute Geomatics project activities for delivery in response to the need of the private and public industry.
3. Utilize industry standards and specifications to analyze the positional accurance of measurement systems in preparing land records and engineering drawings.
4. Utilize an appropriate mastery of the knowledge, techniques, skills, and modern tools of Geomatics.
5. Adapt to the emerging applications and equipment within the Geomatics field.
6. Apply theory and practical experience in branches of the Geomatics Industry including: Plane Surveying, Cadastral, Marine Surveying, GIS, Photogrammetry, and Construction Surveying.
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.
CERTIFICATES
In addition to the formal semester 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 of the following:
Standard First Aid/Heart Start
WHMIS/OHS
Power Line Hazards
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates generally find employment with various departments of the federal and provincial government, crown corporations, utility companies, construction engineering, oil exploration and surveying companies both locally and internationally.
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.
Note: Students will also be required to complete a number of non-credit co-op education seminars throughout the program (resume writing, job search skills and interview preparation).
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 or 3202
ii. Mathematics (4 credits) chosen from:
Advanced: 2200, 3200 (50% minimum in each course)
Academic: 2201 (50% minimum), 3201 (60% minimum)
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 of age or older, and have been 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.
Students should be aware that additional fees may apply for field camp activities as well as any external certifications required throughout the program.
