Geomatics Engineering Technology

Program Description

The Geomatics Engineering Technology program will provide you with extensive practical skills combined with a broad theoretical background to acquire tools and techniques used in: land surveying, remote sensing, cartography, geographic information systems (GIS), global navigation satellite systems (GPS), photogrammetry, geography and digital mapping.

To succeed in the program, you will need to be comfortable with mathematics and enjoy working with computers and instrumentation. In addition you must be a good team player, have good communication skills, and enjoy working outdoors.

This diploma program is two years in length, consisting of four 15-week semesters.

The program accepts students into first semester in September.

Program Overview

Your Career

Graduates of this program find work as surveying or mapping technologists in a broad range of industry sectors including; land surveying, mapping, energy exploration and production, civil engineering and construction, GIS, mining and natural resources and federal/provincial/municipal governments.

Student Success

Students who enjoy mathematics, are comfortable using computers and instrumentation will experience more success in this program. Additionally, the ideal candidates are methodical and pay attention to detail, have good work ethics and communication skills. Successful students can think visually about geometric forms and can appreciate details in drawings and objects.

Contact time with instructors in lectures and labs is about thirty hours per week. The average student is expected to spend about an additional twenty five hours per week on assignments, studying, and projects.

A career in Geomatics Engineering Technology typically includes both office and field work. Depending on a student’s particular career path the proportion of office and field exposure can vary significantly. In the GNT program, students are exposed to field work that simulates field activities.

Additionally, the ideal candidates are methodical and pay attention to detail, have good work ethic and communication skills. GNT graduates will often work in teams of various sizes. In the GNT program, many courses require working in teams for projects or lab assignments. This requires good communication and interpersonal skills.

Credentials

After successfully completing this program, graduates will be awarded a SAIT diploma in Geomatics Engineering Technology.

Accreditation

This program is nationally accredited, at the technologist level, by Technology Accreditation Canada. Graduates are eligible for certification by the Alberta Society of Surveying and Mapping Technologies (ASSMT) and the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals in Alberta (ASET).

Progression

The progression requirement for students taking credit courses is a Term GPA and Total Institutional GPA of 2.0, with the exception of English Language Foundations and Academic Upgrading programs.

Admission Requirements

Completion of the following courses or equivalents:

At least 50% in Math 30-1, or at least 70% in Math 30-2, AND,
At least 50% in English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2, AND,
At least 50% in Science 30 or Physics 20.
All applicants to must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.

Program Outline

First Year

Semester 1

COMP 220 - Computer Fundamentals 3 Credits
ENGD 213 - Geomatics Drafting 3 Credits
MAPS 204 - Mapping Fundamentals 3 Credits
MATH 238 - Math for Engineering & Tech I 3 Credits
SURV 214 - Surveying I 3 Credits

Semester 2

COMM 238 - Technical Communications I 3 Credits
SURV 230 - Satellite Positioning 3 Credits
SURV 248 - Surveying II 3 Credits
SURV 263 - Measurement Analysis and Adjustment 3 Credits
MATH 288 - Mathematics for Engineering & Technology ll 3 Credits

Second Year

Semester 3

CADD 308 - Geomatics CADD Applications 3 Credits
MAPS 310 - Geodesy and Map Projections 3 Credits
MAPS 315 - Geographic Information Systems 3 Credits
SURV 330 - Surveying III 3 Credits
SURV 342 - Remote Sensing 3 Credits

Semester 4

MAPS 362 - 3D Modeling 3 Credits
MAPS 365 - Photogrammetry 3 Credits
PROJ 385 - Geomatics Engineering Technology Capstone Project 3 Credits
SURV 343 - Applications in Geomatics Engineering 3 Credits
SURV 345 - Cadastral Surveying 3 Credits

Total Credits 60

Program Outcomes

Demonstrate competence in working with resources, equipment, and people; both individually and as part of a team.
Collect, calculate, manipulate, analyze, validate, store and manage geomatics data while complying with appropriate acts, regulations and industry standards.
Present geomatics deliverables while complying with appropriate acts, regulations and industry standards.
Adapt and apply current and emerging technologies by remaining up-to-date through life long learning and professional development.
Communicate effectively and accurately with all stakeholders within the geomatics work environment.
Model professional responsibility and accountability by adhering to ethical practice in the geomatics work environment.
Demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills in the geomatics work environment.
Demonstrate safe work practices in the geomatics work environment.