Meteorology and Geomatics Technical Workers

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.

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