Meteorology and Geomatics Technical Workers
(NOC 2255)
in All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information TechnologyTechnical 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
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Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
Hourly Pay
$24.04
Minimum$33.20
Median$41.62
MaximumAnnual Pay
$18,238
Minimum$56,102
Median$76,739
MaximumCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
Hourly Pay
$18.00
Minimum$34.90
Median$54.10
MaximumAnnual Pay
$13,568
Minimum$60,422
Median$107,009
MaximumAbout 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
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$53,600 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$57,618 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$54,727 median annual incomeCape Breton
N/ASouthern
N/ACompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Public administration
Professional, scientific and technical services
Educational services
Utilities
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
What is the age of Employment?
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65+
15-24
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
25-34
45-54
35-44
55-64
15-24
Top levels of education
Bachelor
$56,161 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$54,697 median annual incomeHigh school
$57,772 median annual incomeMaster
N/ATrade Certification
N/ACompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
College Diploma
$59,986 median annual incomeBachelor
$63,965 median annual incomeHigh school
$45,835 median annual incomeMaster
$65,105 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$57,773 median annual incomeEducation & training
Geographic Information Science and Cartography
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese 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
Various, NS
Geography
College or University ProgramThese 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
Meteorology
College or University ProgramThese 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
Surveying Engineering
University ProgramThese 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
Wolfville, NS
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