Geomatics Technician

 

GIS and GPS are revolutionizing the way we see the world. Start your career in this expanding field, and chart a course for success. Recent studies reveal that there is a strong need for graduates trained in Geomatics principles and technologies. Over the next five years, this demand will exceed the numbers currently graduating by at least 2:1. Fleming College's Geomatics Technician program is designed to address the market's growing requirements, so expect to be in great demand. The study of geomatics encompasses three main areas:

• data collection (GPS, surveying, remote sensing)
• data analysis (GIS)
• presentation and distribution (cartography, web interfaces)

As a graduate of the Geomatics Technician program, you will be capable of collecting, organizing, and managing geographic data using GPS, remote sensing, and surveying tools. Your new GIS skills will allow you to analyse data, and you'll use cartography and web interface techniques to present the geographic information you've collected. Working with spatial data, you will develop expertise in all areas of geomatics, and in the use of a broad range of computer software. You'll possess the sophisticated skills of the cartographic designer and the ability to apply GIS principles, and as a Geomatics Technician you will be well-prepared to participate in the ongoing development of emerging Geomatics technologies and practices.

 

Program Highlights

This two-year diploma program, the first of its kind in Ontario, will train you to use state-of-the-art technology tools to collect, mine, store, manipulate, analyze, interpret and communicate geographic information - skills that can be applied to virtually any discipline such as urban planning, engineering, or crime investigation. With a one-to-one student to computer ratio, you'll have ample opportunity to practice your skills in our new geomatics labs. Your training will include proficiency in a variety of operating systems used in the industry today. You will also acquire expertise using GIS software from ESRI, Autodesk, PCI Geomatics, and CARIS - providing you with flexibility in the workforce.

 

Why Choose Fleming?

Fleming's leadership in post-secondary Geomatics education has been recognized by industry, government and business through their support in establishing the Geomatics Institute at Fleming. Our strong partnerships offer students access to the latest software packages and data resources as well as unprecedented learning and employment opportunities. Many of the first GIS applications were developed in the field of natural resource management for which Fleming is renowned, and the Geomatics Technician program benefits from the knowledge and expertise that Fleming has acquired in more than 20 years of teaching GIS, cartography and other areas of geomatics. We offer students expert faculty, state-of-the-art learning facilities, and have a long history of turning out award-winning graduates who excel in their fields. If Geomatics is your future, it's within your reach at Fleming College.

Common First Semester

Students in our School’s diploma programs take the same courses for first semester after choosing and being accepted into one of our programs. This common focus exposes you to a variety of career options and other programs. You will have the freedom to explore and obtain a multidisciplinary perspective, while you acquire a base of knowledge and fundamental skills.

Although students are accepted into a specific program for their first semester, the common first semester allows you to change direction if you find another program or career area is more appealing. Once you have successfully completed the common first semester, you can enter the program of your choice in second semester, subject to enrolment capacity.

 

Work Experience

You'll spend a significant portion of the program doing experiential work - putting theory into practice. The latest GPS data collectors are used in field data collection exercises. Project work in various applications makes use of data from the Land Information Ontario (LIO) warehouse and datasets from other data providers. You will learn to use various software packages used by industry, government agencies and business. Geomatics Technician graduates can also participate in an optional, post-graduation internship, allowing them to work for host companies, while earning an additional credit. You can either apply for a posted position or obtain your own internship.

 

What it Takes to Succeed

To be successful in this program, you should possess the following:

• affinity for computer applications
• affinity for maps and geography
• visual creativity
• interest in spatial representation and data analysis
• willingness to work hard (45 - 65 hours/week)
• sound oral and written communication skills
• analytical and creative thinking

 

Career Opportunities

You'll be in demand! Graduates can expect a very high placement rate and a starting salary ranging from $25,000.00 - $40,000.00. With your Geomatics Technician diploma, you'll be well-equipped to pursue a variety of exciting positions at the government or industry level, with job titles such as:

• GIS Technician/Technologist
• Survey Technician (Land & Topographic Surveys)
• Geomatics Technician
• GIS Analyst
• GIS Technical Assistant
• Cartographic Technician
• Cartographer
• Applied Geomatics Technician
• Geomatics Support Technician
• Map Librarian
• CAD Operator

You may find yourself working for:

• city/municipal engineering and planning departments
• conservation authorities
• private sector planning
• consulting
• mapping
• surveying
• utility and natural resources firms
• provincial and federal government mapping agencies
• NGOs

 

Minimum Admission Requirements

OSSD with the majority of credits at the College (C) and Open (O) level, including:

• 2 College (C) English courses (Grade 11 or Grade 12)
• 2 College (C) Math courses (Grade 11 or Grade 12)

When (C) is the minimum course level for admission, (U) or (U/C) courses are also accepted.

Mature Students
If you are 19 years of age or older before classes start, and you do not possess an OSSD, you can write the Canadian Adult Achievement Test to assess your eligibility for admission.

* Students starting in January are required to attend classes over the summer semester.

 

Selection Process

 

Related Programs

Upon completion of the Geomatics Technician diploma program, you may wish to pursue a post-graduate specialist certificate in GIS-Applications Specialist or GIS-Cartographic Specialist. You will be exempted from the first Common GIS semester, and eligible for entry into second semester of these two, three-semester programs. With just two more semesters of study, you can add an Ontario College Graduate Certificate to your diploma and expand your career options. Geomatics Technicians that have completed the GIS Specialist programs have done very well in the workforce.

 

Additional Costs

Plan to spend $1,175 for books and supplies during the first year and $1,000 during the second year.

 

University Transfer Agreements

• Griffith University, Queensland, Australia
• University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Course	Hours
Semester 1
Applied Mathematics in Natural Resource Sciences	45.00
Communicating Technical Information	45.00
Ecology and Environment	60.00
Ecosystem Skills	60.00
Environmental Leadership	45.00
Geospatial Techniques	45.00
Optional Courses:   Communications Plus 15.00
Semester 2
Natural and Human Geography	45.00
Cartographic Principles	45.00
Digital Map Production	45.00
GIS Database Fundamentals	45.00
GIS Principles	45.00
Image Data Interpretation	45.00
Technical Reporting	45.00
Semester 3
Cartographic Structures	45.00
GIS Analysis	45.00
Geomatics Field Camp	40.00
Geomatics in Surveying	45.00
Graphic and Information Design	45.00
Human Relations	45.00
Thematic Mapping	45.00
General Education Elective
Semester 4
Applied Geomatics Project	45.00
Environmental Issues: The Human Factor	45.00
GIS Applications	45.00
Land Information and Parcel Based Mapping	45.00
Problem Solving and Programming	45.00
Remote Sensing	45.00
Web Design and Publishing	45.00

Semester 1

Applied Mathematics in Natural Resource Sciences

Course Number: MATH063

This course will enable students to apply specific mathematical concepts and acquire foundation skills important in the Natural Resource and Environmental Sciences. It is designed to complement and reinforce learning within other first semester courses and program areas.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Communicating Technical Information

Course Number: COMM044

This course focuses on the development of fundamental writing and speaking skills, both individually and in teams, within the context of program and work needs in the environmental field. Also, students will be required to apply and to demonstrate fundamental research skills, including an analysis of library and Web resources pertaining to program-related topics. Assessment strategies will be tied closely to other common first semester courses.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Ecology and Environment

Course Number: ENVR020

Learn how nature works by studying the key components of the ecosystems in the Kawartha Lakes Region. Through field and lab exploration of wild life, landforms, forests, lakes, rivers and wetlands, students will see the connections between themselves, the environment and ecosystems that surround them.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Ecosystem Skills

Course Number: ECOS013

This course will focus on three areas of study: identification, field and lab skills. Students will identify and classify the living and non-living components of the specific ecosystems described in the Ecology and Environment (ENVR 20) course. Field skills to be developed include the ability to navigate through the natural environment and use a variety of ecosystem inventory techniques. Special emphasis will be placed on safe work habits in lab and field.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Environmental Leadership

Course Number: NATR008

This course will enable students to develop a personal position and direct their career path within the context of the environmental and natural resource industry. A dynamic, interactive case study approach will be used to examine issues arising from environmental disputes and conflicts, and to develop an understanding of ecological sustainability.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Geospatial Techniques

Course Number: GEOM036

This course is designed around the four pillars of Geomatics: Remote Sensing, Cartography, Surveying and GIS. Students will develop entry-level skills in data capture, surveying, (computer) drafting, principles of remote sensing, air photo interpretation, and in usage of representative Geomatics-related software.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Communications Plus

Course Number: COMM012

Communications Plus will provide individualized help in language and writing skills for students enrolled in Common First Semester Communicating Technical Information. This is a one-hour timetabled class in addition to the Communicating Technical Information course. Students who are recommended and/or elect to take Communications Plus will work on computer-based modules, and may receive assistance on seminar and lab writing assignments from all courses. No additional work is required other than the one class hour per week.

Units: 15.00
Hours: 15.00

Semester 2

Natural and Human Geography

Course Number: GEOM038

Earth's landscapes are not only a product of natural forces but they are also shaped by human cultural activities. This course will examine how the hydrosphere, atmosphere, and lithosphere intertwine to form the physical geomorphology of the earth. The behaviours, desires and needs of the human population will also be analyzed as to how they impact upon the realm of physical geography.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Cartographic Principles

Course Number: GEOM008

Maps are a means of communication. The basis of effective cartographic communication is a clear focus on the message to be conveyed to the intended audience, coupled with an understanding of how maps function as visual abstractions of selected aspects of reality. This course will involve the student in an exploration of these concepts through a series of lectures, seminars, exercises, and reports.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Digital Map Production

Course Number: GEOM014

Maps are a means of communication. This course focuses on the message the map conveys to the intended audience. The student will understand how maps function as visual abstractions of selected aspects of reality and develop the skills required to produce a map that accurately portrays the true relationship of ground features in a concise and clear image. Computer calculations using coordinate geometry, surveying software, and CAD drafting tools will be applied to manage the spatial features related to the land and how that information from the field is presented visually on a map.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

GIS Database Fundamentals

Course Number: GEOM043

This course presents fundamental principles of database processing with respect to GIS environments and provides opportunities for students to develop skills in implementing and managing databases: it focuses on the attribute data side of geographic features, with an emphasis on data integration and manipulation.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

GIS Principles

Course Number: GEOM021

As one of the pillars of Geomatics, GIS is the science of deriving, determining, and communicating spatial relationships between and within geographic features. This course will provide the student with the fundamental principles supporting the two main spatial data models, vector and raster, and will introduce concepts of spatial relationships and preliminary spatial analysis.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Image Data Interpretation

Course Number: NATR012

This course provides an introduction to the basic photo interpretation of physical, biological, and cultural features on different aerial photographs. Basic photogrammetry concepts will be examined and practised in scale determination, height, and measurement. By the end of the semester, students will acquire an understanding of basic remote sensing techniques and their application in natural resource disciplines.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Technical Reporting

Course Number: COMM034

This course is an introduction to technical writing and speaking for students in the School of Environmental & Natural Resource Sciences. Students will write a formal technical report by applying research skills in the library and on the Internet, writing an outline and an introduction, documenting their sources of information in the APA style, editing and revising drafts of their reports, writing formal elements of the report, and integrating graphic presentations with text. In addition, they will present their reports orally, using appropriate audiovisual media, write a set of instructions in memo format, and be able to identify several common types of reports.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Semester 3

Cartographic Structures

Course Number: GEOM027

Maps are not merely visual code for phenomena, but are intended to be positionally accurate representations of where occurrences exist in reality. In this course, students will learn to select, compute, scale, and precisely construct an appropriate positional control system for a cartographic project, consisting of a projection, grid, and surveyed control points. Fundamental techniques of terrestrial and aerial surveying will also be introduced. Students will gain experience in the use of elementary techniques for the adjustment and accurate positional integration of surveyed data.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

GIS Analysis

Course Number: GEOM019

GIS technology, data structures and analytical techniques are gradually being incorporated into a wide range of management and decision-making operations including: resource inventory and management, environmental and urban planning, Land Information Systems, facilities management (AM/FM), marketing and retail planning, vehicle routing and scheduling and more. This course includes an examination of some of the issues involved when proposing, implementing and using a GIS. Laboratory time will involve building on previously learned GIS technology skills, to gain hands-on experience using functions fundamental to many GIS application areas.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Geomatics Field Camp

Course Number: APST064

The Geomatics Field Camp is a three day on-site field activity followed by independent work for the completion of related assignments. Camp is located in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence/ Boreal forest region north of Algonquin Park, Ontario at the Canadian Ecology Centre (http://www.canadianecology.ca). The field camp involves a variety of practical field projects involving current Geomatics data acquisition activities. During the camp each student will develop skills in the use of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and GIS software. Students will develop skills in working in a team environment.

Units: 40.00
Hours: 40.00

Geomatics in Surveying

Course Number: SURV018

This course places the emphasis on the fundamental principles of Geomatics as they apply to Surveying. Electronic instruments will be used with emphasis on data loggers to obtain field positions with features and attribute data. These field locations and attributes will be used to create GIS related survey plans. Coordinate Geometry will be used in the computation of boundaries areas and volumes. The GIS features will be implemented using practical field projects and the projects will be related to land information systems.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Graphic and Information Design

Course Number: GEOM032

The communicative effectiveness of a geographical display is dependent to a critical degree upon the calibre of visual decisions involved in composing its design. This course aims to sensitize and enlighten the student with respect to foundational graphic design principles, symbology, and typography. Information graphics is also a key focal point of this course. A representative draw software is utilized in the creation of various displays of a graphic design, cartographic design, and infographics nature.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Human Relations

Course Number: MGMT005

This course examines self-awareness, interpersonal relations, motivation, stress, small group dynamics, and organizational behaviour. Particular attention will be paid to leadership and conflict management in employment situations. Contemporary developments reshaping human relations will be introduced for study and discussion.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Thematic Mapping

Course Number: GEOM046

This course is designed to thoroughly examine the principles of data representation in the thematic map, and will explore the various methods used in the presentation of both qualitative and quantitative data. The course will begin with an introduction to common thematic mapping techniques through an evaluation of atlases, to illustrate and compare the relative effectiveness of these techniques. Students will then learn geographic data processing to facilitate efficient symbolization. Advanced topics will deal with representation of multiple data sets for geographic analysis and the use of the computer for thematic map compilation, production, and analysis.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Semester 4

Applied Geomatics Project

Course Number: APST044

This course details the process of designing and implementing GIS projects. It examines the various components of a project, the importance of identifying project goals and guides the student through the development of a project plan outlining the various stages of project implementation. In addition, this course will investigate various methods for data acquisition, preprocessing and analysis and instructs in the development of a cartographic model to illustrate the process graphically. This course uses case studies to illustrate variations in implementation approaches and to identify why some projects succeed and others fail. Students will be expected to select, prepare an implementation plan for, and undertake a Geomatics project.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Environmental Issues: The Human Factor

Course Number: GNED015

This course introduces students to the non-technical aspects of environmental issues: historical, cultural, ethical, political, and economic. It is concerned with how environmental issues enter public consciousness and how they are subsequently dealt with in the Canadian and global communities. Students will be encouraged to adopt a balanced, analytical approach as the basis for developing and expressing their own viewpoints as informed citizens and technicians/technologists.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

GIS Applications

Course Number: GEOM020

Geographic information systems (GIS) technology can be used for natural resource and land management, environmental and scientific investigations, and urban and rural development planning. Laboratory time will be devoted to gaining hands-on experience using GIS functions fundamental to many GIS application areas (e.g. ArcView / ArcGIS Spatial Analyst and Network Analyst).

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Land Information and Parcel Based Mapping

Course Number: GEOM035

Land planning and development in Ontario takes place in the context of a comprehensive legal framework. This course will introduce the student to the very lot structure and statutory provisions governing development and registration of ownership and land parcels. All land information and legal attributes of the land will be extracted from data bases and presented in plans, maps and reports.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Problem Solving and Programming

Course Number: GEOM040

This course provides an introduction to the general principles of computer programming with practical experience writing programs to automate tasks and solve simple computational problems. The student will learn the basics of programming structures, language syntax, error checking and validating results. The student will write basic computer programs to input and process data as well as produce suitable output. This course prepares the student for further study of macro and scripting languages used in the automation and customization of GIS and digital mapping software.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Remote Sensing

Course Number: GEOM041

Geographic Information Systems are using many new remote sensing computer programs to build and analyse map features. This course introduces the basic physical concepts and the major imaging systems employed in remote sensing. Spatial and spectral resolution of the image is processed and interpreted to create map features and design and to build the database.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Web Design and Publishing

Course Number: GEOM048

In today's professional climate, the Geomatics Technician needs to possess expertise in the area of web publishing. Expanding upon the graphic advances made in the Graphic and Information Design course, this course focuses on aspects of colour, the application of graphic design principles to a web site context, and also introduces the student to image manipulation using a representative paint software. Web sites will be created using an established web site design software, with the emphasis in this course on the coherence and effectiveness of the visual design of the web site as opposed to its incorporation of advanced web-based programming features.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00