Industry Profile -- by Leanne Taylor

Just picture yourself: You've been hiking for several hours in the beautiful Rocky Mountains when all of a sudden the weather takes a drastic turn for the worst. You decide it's best to start hiking out so you turn around and try to find the path that brought you here. Suddenly, everywhere you turn looks the same, and you find yourself cold, hungry and worst of all, lost.

You wish now you had decided to take the sales person's advice at your local camping store and invested in a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver. This little device could have saved you time and dignity with its built-in electronic compass keeping you heading in the right direction. Its barometer could have tracked the atmosphere like a weather station while also telling you exactly where you are and navigating you safely back down the mountain. It's electronic mapping devices like these, and the encompassing technology, that are becoming the wave of the future in an industry called geomatics.

If you've ever wondered how we detect water from satellites or with telescopes, curious as to how much water there is in rivers, oceans, or the universe, or pondered how we are able to rescue sailors from the sea with certain navigation systems, you may be interested in the study of geomatics. So what is geomatics you ask? It encompasses the art, science, and technology involved in collecting and managing geographically-referenced information.

Skills pertinent in this industry are: mathematical aptitude; computer literacy; the ability to analyze spatial problems and measurements; as well as the ability to think visually about geometric forms. You should also be able to perceive pertinent detail in objects and drawings, have good communication and observation skills, and have the physical fitness and endurance required if you're going to be involved in fieldwork. Also, it's essential to keep up with the latest methods and technologies of this interdisciplinary field since the world of geomatics is highly computerized and constantly evolving.

The predicted future growth rate for this industry over the next few years is below average, however, a large number of baby boomers are expected to retire over the next 10 to 15 years. The education requirements vary from a four-year bachelor degree to a two-year diploma. There are extremely few jobs in this industry that don't require post-secondary education. Here's a closer look at some of the careers available in this industry:

Geomatics/surveying technologists conduct or participate in conducting field surveys, office calculations and plan production to determine the exact locations and relative positions of natural features and man-made structures on the earth's surface, underground or underwater. They use a wide variety of surveying and computer equipment, including electronic distance measuring instruments and global positioning systems, geographic information systems (GIS) and digital mapping systems. Work can be both indoors and outdoors, and extensive travelling may sometimes be required to remote areas. Good physical condition and endurance is an asset, as lifting items weighing up to 25 kilograms is sometimes required. Other important characteristics include an aptitude for mathematics, good communication skills, taking a methodical approach to work, analyzing information and problem solving.

• Pay will range from $15,400 to $64,300 per year.
• Average occupational growth is expected to 2006.

Land surveyors plan, direct and conduct legal surveys to determine and interpret the location of boundaries, contours and other natural or human-made features. They use equipment and computer systems to survey land and air spaces, and they determine or establish boundaries to identify and certify its location. Some of the ways they accomplish this include searching for previous boundaries in existing survey records, preparing land descriptions and plans, searching land titles, conducting fieldwork and preparing plans. Work can be both indoors and outdoors, and some light lifting may be required. Analytical, organizational and interpersonal skills are important traits in this profession, as is the ability to visualize objects, distances, sizes and other abstract forms. To work as a land surveyor in Alberta, you must be registered with the Alberta Land Surveyor's Association. In order to register, you need to be certified by the Western Canadian Board of Examiners (WCBE) and article for at least two years.

• Pay will range from $25,600 to $88,900 per year.
• Below average occupational growth is expected to 2006.

Geomatics/surveying engineers (see specializations below) use terrestrial, marine, airborne and satellite sensors to gather data, and develop information systems suitable for land use and landscape analysis. They may work in offices, laboratories, or in the field, often in remote areas. Good physical condition is required for fieldwork, as you may be required to lift equipment weighing up to 25 kilograms. Other skills essential to this industry include the ability to integrate knowledge about statistical analysis, measurement processes, cartography, map projections, information theory and computer science.

• Pay will range from $22,700 to $103,000 per year.
• Below average occupational growth is expected to 2006.

Geographic information systems (GIS) analysts are involved in organizing different types of position-related information into consistent databases, and developing software and analysis tools for using this information in urban planning and management, resource exploration, environmental management and land use studies. Work is typically in an office environment, however, some areas of study, including forestry and wildlife may involve working in the field. It's imperative that GIS analysts keep up to date with the latest trends and technologies in the industry. Overtime is often required to meet deadlines or debug systems that are not functioning properly.

• Pay will range from $36,500 to $60,000 per year.
• Above average occupational growth expected to 2006.

Geographers study the location and interaction of humans and the earth. They uses a multitude of techniques to find data, including computer data bases and GIS technology to provide information on topics such as resource planning, social planning and many others. A bachelor degree is required as are keen problem solving and oral and written communication skills. Most geographers work indoors in an office environment.

• Pay will range from $28,000 to $60,000 per year.
• Low growth is expected to 2006.

Many geomatics engineers may also choose to specialize in different areas of this industry. Some of these areas include:

Geodetic engineers: Also known as "global surveyors" they are responsible for finding answers to new and existing problems related to all aspects of meteorology and communicating these solutions to concerned individuals.

Navigation and positioning engineers: These people use navigation systems (eg.GPS, INS) for positioning, navigating, guiding and controlling air, land and sea vehicles. They also design and write custom software and develop user interfaces for navigation and guidance systems.

Photogrammetric and remote sensing engineers: They are involved in aerial photography and other digital remote sensing techniques to collect information about specific features of the earth. Other duties include: directing the overall planning and development of mapping projects, determining aerial photographic and remote sensing requirements and the type of acquisition and plotting equipment to be used. They also generate maps based on the information collected.

Each industry profiled in nextSteps also includes several jobs that are related, or universal across industries. Some of those jobs included in, or related to, the geomatics industry are: civil engineers/technologists, environmental engineers, engineer design and drafting technologists and technicians, industrial designers, computer hardware engineers, computer programmers, geographers, and software engineers.

Previous issues with more on some of these occupational profiles include:

• Waterworks, October 2000 (environmental engineers, civil engineers)
• Wireless Technology, August 2000 (computer engineers, radio frequency engineers/test trouble shooting engineers, computer programmers, technical writers, design technologists)
• Waste Management, May 2000 (environmental engineers, civil engineers, engineering design and drafting technologists)
• Information Technology, February 1998 (software programmers, computer technicians, graphic designers).