What is "Geomatics"?

From Natural Resources Canada:

Geomatics is the science and technology of gathering, analyzing, interpreting, distributing and using geographic information. Geomatics encompasses a broad range of disciplines that can be brought together to create a detailed but understandable picture of the physical world and our place in it.

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When I think of Geomatics, I think of land surveying. Are there other areas of Geomatics?

Let’s see… Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing, Hydrographic and/or Offshore Positioning, Mapping, GIS, GPS, Precise Engineering surveys and Positioning.

Even within the field of land surveying, there is a wide variety of surveying disciplines. As Geomatics Professionals, Land Surveyors are involved in oil field work, land-use planning and development and in other related activities involving determination of property boundaries or assembly and analysis of land related information.

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What Geomatics career options are offered in land surveying?

There are a number of different tracks available within the field depending on educational background and personal preferences. Here’s a general outline of the types of jobs (although the actual job titles will vary depending on where you work):

• Survey Tech (also called Party Chief, Crew Chief, Survey Tech, Field Tech) – typically has a Geomatics Certificate (from SAIT or similar college) and must have extensive experience working in the field as an Assistant Survey Tech. Comprehensive safety training is required. Survey Techs work in the field gathering information for the survey plan, locating and staking existing and proposed facilities locations.
• Asst. Survey Tech (also called Rodman, Chainman, “Hey, you!”) – Comprehensive safety training is required. Many students work as Assistant Survey Techs while completing their Geomatics Degree or Certificate.
• Geomatics Tech – Geomatics Certificate/experience working as Survey Tech – Works in the office compiling information from the Survey Techs, calculating locations, and checking over plans.
• CADD Tech (Drafter) – Geomatics/CADD Certificate – CADD Techs work in the office preparing CADD Drawings/Maps based on information from existing records and the field survey.
• Professional Surveyor (Surveyor, Geomatics Engineer, ALS, CLS, SLS, etc.) – see below for educational/certification requirements – works in the office and oversees work done by the techs at each stage of the survey process, prepares plans to meet client requirements and current government regulations.

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How would I go about getting a job in Geomatics?

See our Careers section for more information on the opportunities available at Midwest Surveys.

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How do I become a Professional Surveyor?

Requirements vary depending on which province you’d like to work in and whether you would like to become a CLS or certified by a particular province. (see below for listing of different types of land surveyor professional designations)

Students must article for a minimum of two years to gain both field and administrative experience. During the articling period, students must successfully write three examinations (The Surveying Profession, Practical Surveying and Statute Law).

The final phase is a qualifying oral examination based upon general survey practice and professional ethics. Application for registration as an Alberta Land Surveyor follows.

http://www.alsa.ab.ca/occ_profile.htm

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What do the designations after surveyors' names mean?

• ALS = Alberta Land Surveyor, BCLS = British Columbia Land Surveyor, SLS = Saskatchewan Land Surveyor, MLS = Manitoba Land Surveyor, etcetera for provincial jurisdictions.
• CLS = Canada Lands Surveyor. A CLS designation is required in order to be able to perform work on Canada Lands. This would include National Parks, First Nations Lands, Offshore waters within Canadian jurisdiction, the Yukon, Northwest Territory, and Nunavut.

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If land surveyors just take a bunch of measurements, why can’t I do that myself?

Good boundaries make good neighbors. As measurement errors related to land, buildings, and legal interests, can end up being worth a hefty sum, only trained professionals are recommended to carry out such activities. It is extremely easy to make an error in the interpretation, measurement, and laying out of a boundary. Without proper training in the understanding of provincial survey systems, plan and title interpretation, error checking methodologies, and proper instrumentation, individuals may be assuming liability worth thousands, even millions of dollars.

For example, misinterpreting the measurement on a Real Property Report and how to lay it out on the ground could easily translate to the construction of a fence line, retaining wall, deck, or house extension (to name a few), in the wrong location. In the event such an improvement encroaches onto another property or interest, may result in the requirement for the preparation of legal documents, permissions and penalties issued by the local municipal authority, and subsequent registration at land titles. Or, possibly even more expensive, the individual may be required to tear down the newly constructed improvement and re-construct it all over again. Unfortunately, this scenario is not all that uncommon.

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How much do surveys cost?

Survey costs will depend on the type of survey being performed, the type of terrain, and the size of the area to be surveyed. Surveying companies have a rate schedule that covers the different costs involved in a survey. If you are interested having Midwest Surveys perform survey work for you, please contact the office in your area for more information.

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Aren’t land surveyors those people that stand on the side of the road looking through cameras?

No. That’s photo radar.

In some cases, you may see surveyors on the side of the road, but more often they are managing field representatives, calculating and checking plans or maps, liaising with clients. Land Surveyors are a part of a self-governing profession (akin to engineering) where they have the exclusive responsibility of surveying interests or improvements relative to boundaries.

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