Geomatics Technician

Start In:

Fall 2010

Location:	Lindsay
Program Status:	Accepting applications
Program Code:	GMT
Co-ordinator:	Bruce Pettit
Credential:	Ontario College Diploma
Classes Start:	September 7, 2010
Tuition/ Fees:	$1,660.75 per semester * * Tuition and fees subject to change.

GIS and GPS are revolutionizing the way we see the world. Start your career as a Geomatics Technician, and chart a course for success in this expanding field. 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.

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. 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. Additional testing or academic upgrading may be neccessary to meet specific course requirements for this program.

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

Related Programs

As a successful graduate of the Geomatics Technician diploma program, you may wish to pursue a Fleming College post-graduate specialist certificate in the GIS-Applications Specialist or GIS-Cartographic Specialist program. You may take advantage of a learning pathway that will allow you to enter into 2nd semester of either one of these programs. You will require the following to be eligible:

Minimum grade of 70% in Problem Solving and Programming, Course GEOM40 in the Geomatics Technician program
Additional training through 2 Ontario Learn (online) courses: HTML Introduction and SQL Introduction. The Ontario Learn courses are offered frequently during the year. These courses can be taken whenever they are available, but must be completed by December, prior to January entry to GIS. Students are responsible for course fees and for ensuring that the GIS program coordinator and Fleming Admissions office receive a transcript indicating successful completion of these courses.

By adding an Ontario College Graduate Certificate to your diploma you can expand your career options. Geomatics Technicians who have completed the GIS Specialist programs have done very well in the workforce.