Meteorology and Geomatics Technical Workers

(NOC 2255)

in All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

Technical roles in geomatics include aerial survey, remote sensing, geographic information systems, cartographic and photogrammetric technologists and technicians. These workers gather, analyze, interpret, and use geospatial information for applications in natural resources, geology, environmental research, and land use planning. Meteorological technologists and technicians work for all levels of government, the media, natural resources, utilities and transportation companies and consulting firms. Geomatics technologists and technicians work for all levels of government, utilities, mapping, computer software, forestry, architectural, engineering and consulting firms and other related companies.

Job Outlook

Average

Read more

  • Estimate Moderate growth employment change, 2021-2023
  • Estimate 15 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
  • Estimate Low rate of unemployment in 2022

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

  • Estimate 3410 employment change, 2021-2023
  • Estimate 5690 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
  • Estimate rate of unemployment not available for these occupation.

Hourly Pay

$24.04

Minimum

$33.20

Median

$41.62

Maximum

Annual Pay

$18,238

Minimum

$56,102

Median

$76,739

Maximum

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

Hourly Pay

$18.00

Minimum

$34.90

Median

$54.10

Maximum

Annual Pay

$13,568

Minimum

$60,422

Median

$107,009

Maximum

About the job

Nature of work

Technical roles in geomatics include aerial survey, remote sensing, geographic information systems, cartographic and photogrammetric technologists and technicians. These workers gather, analyze, interpret, and use geospatial information for applications in natural resources, geology, environmental research, and land use planning. Meteorological technologists and technicians work for all levels of government, the media, natural resources, utilities and transportation companies and consulting firms. Geomatics technologists and technicians work for all levels of government, utilities, mapping, computer software, forestry, architectural, engineering and consulting firms and other related companies.

Job duties

Aerial survey and remote sensing technologists and technicians:

  • Use analog or digital airborne remote sensing equipment like survey film or digital cameras, laser or radar sensors, and scanners to prepare images, data and graphic reports, maps and charts from airborne or satellite data.
  • Develop specialized analog and computer software specific routines to customize and integrate image analysis.
  • Inspect quality of recorded images, verify the integrity and accuracy of data contained in remote sensing image analysis systems, and adjust equipment as required.

Geographic information systems (GIS) technologists and technicians:

  • Use specialized computer hardware and software and peripheral equipment to model, manage, analyze, and display geospatial data.
  • Develop specialized computer software routines, Internet based GIS, database, and business applications to customize geographic information.
  • Work with external organizations on data transfer and systems compatibility issues.
  • Enter and edit data into and maintain systems following pre-determined calibration procedures.
  • Integrate external software like spreadsheets and statistical packages with GIS software.
  • Train and provide technical support for GIS users.

Cartographic technologists and technicians:

  • Plan map content, format and design and compile required data from aerial photographs, survey notes, records, reports, and other maps.
  • Generate maps and related graphs and charts using digital mapping techniques, computer interactive graphics, computer assisted design and drafting (CAD) software, traditional drafting methods, and computer or traditional scribing tools.
  • Inspect final compositions to ensure completeness and accuracy.

Photogrammetric technologists and technicians:

  • Interpret aerial photographs to prepare topographic maps, aerial-photograph mosaics, and related charts.
  • Use digitized stereoscopic plotting and computer graphics equipment to provide three-dimensional optical models of terrain, to trace maps, and to prepare charts and tables.
  • Monitor recording quality and adjust equipment as required and inspect quality of recorded images.

Meteorological technologists and technicians:

  • Observe, record, and transmit atmospheric and weather information including air pressure, temperature, humidity, precipitation and cloud, wind, and ultraviolet conditions.
  • Observe, chart and report on ice conditions in navigable waters and snow conditions and participate in programs to forecast and control avalanches in mountainous terrain.
  • Maintain climatological databases, analyze and interpret weather data, and participate in the production of weather maps, charts, and reports.
  • Install, inspect, monitor, calibrate and maintain meteorological equipment and instruments.

Sample job titles

  • aerial survey technician
  • cartographer
  • climate data processor
  • geographic information systems (GIS) technician
  • geographic information systems (GIS) technologist
  • geological mapping technician
  • land information system (LIS) technician
  • meteorological technician
  • remote sensing (RS) technician
  • remote sensing (RS) technologist

Skills

  • A neat and systematic approach to projects is important. You must be accurate, precise, and efficient. The ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines may also be necessary. Good computer skills are highly recommended. Some of these jobs involve exposure to heat, noise, vibration, fumes, and dust, while other jobs are in a relatively clean laboratory environment.

Job requirements

  • High school is required.
  • Geomatics technologists require completion of a two- to three-year college program in cartography, photogrammetry, aerial survey, remote sensing, geographic information system or geomatics.
  • Geomatics technicians require completion of a one- to two-year college program in cartography, photogrammetry, aerial survey, remote sensing, geographic information system or geomatics.
  • Meteorological technicians require completion of a one-year meteorological technician program provided by the Meteorological Service of Canada.
  • Further specialized training is available for meteorological technicians, and may be required by some employers.

Other considerations

  • Geomatics is an interdisciplinary field encompassing the collection, analysis and presentation of geographically referenced data. Movement is possible between some jobs in this group.

By the numbers

Quick look

315

employed in 2016

96.8%

employed full-time

7.9%

self employed

31.7%
Icons/female Created with Sketch.
68.3%
Icons/male Created with Sketch.
42.7

median age

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

25,875

employed in 2016

91.5%

employed full-time

7.6%

self employed

20.0%
Icons/female Created with Sketch.
80%
Icons/male Created with Sketch.
42.8

median age

Where will I likely work?

54.0%

Halifax

$53,600 median annual income
17.5%

North Shore

$57,618 median annual income
15.9%

Annapolis Valley

$54,727 median annual income
6.3%

Cape Breton

N/A
6.3%

Southern

N/A

Compared to: All NS Occupations

47.0%

Halifax

15.6%

North Shore

12.9%

Annapolis Valley

12.7%

Cape Breton

11.8%

Southern

Top Industries of Employment

54.5%

Public administration

18.2%

Professional, scientific and technical services

7.3%

Educational services

5.5%

Utilities

3.6%

Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services

What is the age of Employment?

27.0%

25-34

27.0%

35-44

23.0%

45-54

15.0%

55-64

5.0%

65+

3.0%

15-24

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

24.2%

25-34

23.5%

45-54

23.4%

35-44

16.4%

55-64

7.7%

15-24

Top levels of education

47.6%

Bachelor

$56,161 median annual income
30.2%

College Diploma

$54,697 median annual income
9.5%

High school

$57,772 median annual income
7.9%

Master

N/A
3.2%

Trade Certification

N/A

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

33.1%

College Diploma

$59,986 median annual income
29.8%

Bachelor

$63,965 median annual income
11.9%

High school

$45,835 median annual income
9.9%

Master

$65,105 median annual income
6.9%

Trade Certification

$57,773 median annual income

Education & training

Geographic Information Science and Cartography

College, Trades, or University Program

These programs focus on the systematic study of mapmaking and the application of mathematical, computer, and other techniques to the science of mapping geographic information. They include courses in cartographic theory and map projections, computer-assisted cartography, map design and layout, photogrammetry, air photo interpretation, remote sensing, cartographic editing, and applications to specific industrial, commercial, research, and governmental mapping problems.

Institutions providing this program

Dalhousie University

Halifax, NS

Nova Scotia Community College

Various, NS

Geography

College or University Program

These programs focus on the systematic study of the spatial distribution and interrelationships of people, natural resources, plant and animal life. They include courses in historical and political geography, cultural geography, economic and physical geography, regional science, cartographic methods, remote sensing, spatial analysis, and applications to areas like land-use planning, development studies, and analyses of specific countries, regions, and resources.

Institutions providing this program

Dalhousie University

Halifax, NS

University of King's College

Halifax, NS

Saint Mary's University

Halifax, NS

Meteorology

College or University Program

These programs on the scientific study of the prediction of atmospheric motion and climate change. They include courses in general circulation patterns, weather phenomena, atmospheric predictability, parameterization, numerical and statistical analysis, large-scale and meso-scale phenomena, kinematic structures, precipitation processes, and forecasting techniques.

Institutions providing this program

Dalhousie University

Halifax, NS

Surveying Engineering

University Program

These programs prepare students to apply scientific and mathematical principles to the determination of the location, elevations, and alignment of natural and man-made topographic features. They include courses in property line location, surveying, surface measurement, aerial and terrestrial photogrammetry, remote sensing, satellite imagery, global positioning systems, computer applications, and photographic data processing.

Institutions providing this program

Acadia University

Wolfville, NS

Employment requirements & contacts

No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile

Contacts

Canadian Cartographic Association
Nepean, ON
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Dartmouth, NS
Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society
Ottawa, ON

Additional resources

There are no additional resources for this occupation.