Geomatics

Geomatics

What is Geomatics?

Geomatics comprises the science, engineering, and art involved in collecting and managing geographically-referenced information. Our nationally and internationally accredited BScE program in geomatics engineering is considered one of the best in North America. Our graduates are in very high demand with a 100% employment rate worldwide.

As a geomatics engineer, you could:

  • Be in a submarine in a fiord testing a navigation system.
  • Provide advice to a natural gas pipeline project in the Maritimes.
  • Travel the globe providing technical support for an advanced computer-based mapping system.
  • Use GPS to manage a municipality's assets.
  • Assist countries in the administration of land and property.
  • Produce 3D models of historic buildings and industrial plants.
  • Stake out legal boundaries for oil companies.
  • Use advanced instrumentation to ensure construction projects are completed safely.

Program Offerings

  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BScE) in Geomatics Engineering with the Cadastral Surveying Option: This degree is accredited with both the Canadian Council of Land Surveyors and the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board of Engineers Canada and, therefore, fulfills both academic requirements. (166 ch, 4 years)
  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Geomatics Engineering: This degree is accredited with the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board of Engineers Canada so graduates have fulfilled the requirements to become a profession geomatics engineer in Canada. (160 ch, 4 years)
  • Bachelor of Geomatics with the Cadastral Surveying Option (BGeom): This is a new degree (2009) and is not yet accredited, so graduates would be assessed by the Canadian Board of Examiners for Professional Surveyors on an individual basis. (120 ch, 3 years)
  • Diploma in Geomatics (D-GGE): Candidates with the Canadian Board of Examiners for Professional Surveyors [CBEPS] can do the courses at UNB that are equivalent to the syllabus items in which they would otherwise write CBEPS examinations after self-study. (At least 30 ch, at least 1 year)
  • Bachelor of Geomatics (BGeom): Currently, this degree is not accredited but, as with the BScE and BGeom (Cadastral Surveying Option), it offers a wide range of topics including: remote sensing, GIS, GPS, ocean mapping, and land management with plenty of employment opportunities. (120 ch, 3 years)

The Undergraduate Calendar contains more information on these programs and options.

What Can You Be With An Undergraduate Degree in Geomatics?

You can map the earth, travel the world, and best of all, start a great career right out of university!

  • 3D Map Animator
  • Cartographer
  • Geographer
  • GIS Analyst
  • GIS Marketing Consultant
  • GIS Project Manager
  • Image Analyst
  • Information Technology Officer
  • Internet Software Developer
  • IT/Management Consultant
  • IT Spatial Analyst
  • Land Use Technical Advisor
  • Mapping technician
  • Photogrammetrist
  • Professional Engineer
  • Registered Land Surveyor
  • Remote Sensing Specialist
  • Software QA Manager
  • Urban designer

Search for Careers for more career possibilities.

With additional education/training…

  • University/College Professor
  • Teacher
  • Research Consultant
  • Consulting Engineer
  • Entrepreneur

Where Can You Work?

You can work on the ocean floor, in developing countries around the world, or close to home. The possibilities are endless! Here are a just few:

  • Construction Companies
  • Emergency Operations
  • Engineering and Architectural Firms
  • Environmental Agencies
  • Federal, Provincial and Municipal Government Agencies and Departments
  • Food and Agriculture Organizations
  • Geological and Geophysical Exploration Companies
  • Manufacturing Industries
  • Oil, Gas and Mining Industries
  • Photogrammetric Mapping Firms
  • Public Utilities
  • Software Development Corporations
  • Transportation Industry
  • Universities and Research Organizations
  • Urban Planning and Development Agencies

What Skills Can You Develop?

Engineering graduates develop a broad scientific and engineering background and in-depth subject knowledge. Employers value your technical and subject knowledge and the wide range of tranferable skills you’ll acquire through your degree. These skills include:

  • Excellent mathematical and computing skills
  • Oral communications skills – making presentations, brainstorming, discussion of laboratory work, participation in meetings
  • Written communications skills – design and research project and reports, literature reviews, writing notes from project meetings
  • Organizational skills – managing work load, labs, project and report deadlines; task management, planning
  • Interpersonal skills – teamwork, group dynamics, problem solving
  • Research and analytic skills – finding, summarizing, critiquing texts and papers; data handling and analysis

Professional Associations & Resources

Professional associations can be a great way to meet, learn from and network with professionals in your field of interest. Some associations offer student memberships, often at a reduced rate. Below is a sample of professional associations and industry-related websites you can explore.

US Government Agencies

Online Resources

Contact the Department

UNB Department of Geodesy and Geomatics Engineering
Head Hall, Room E-54
P.O. Box 4400, Fredericton, N. B.,
E3B 5A3


Contact Information

Web site: http://gge.unb.ca/