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What They Do

Insider Info

Ever wondered how ambulances arrive on the scene in seconds flat? It's all about geomatics. Geomatics is the gathering, analyzing, distributing and using of any data related to geographic location. Geomatics engineers know how to use the information to map land areas and natural resources.

Geomatics engineers develop the systems used to collect, store and interpret this data. Often called "geo-info," the data defines the locations of things like schools, hotels and roadways.

The collected data can be used for many things. Emergency services can use it to find the quickest routes to accidents or disaster areas. Governments can also use it to combine information about streets, population and traffic flow to improve public transportation.

While geomatics grew out of land surveying, these engineers work in a variety of high-tech settings -- from software companies to satellite information providers. They may also choose to work as land surveyors and spend more time outside in the field.

According to geomatics engineer John Carpenter, there aren't many huge companies in this field. "Typically, you'll end up working for smaller consulting firms [with] 20 or fewer people."

Engineers typically work a Monday-to-Friday workweek, but they may have to work some overtime to complete a big project.

Many disciplines intersect in geomatics, including surveying, mapping and computer systems specialties. They all contribute to the creation of systems that use geographic data. Subfields within geomatics include:

  • Geographic information systems (GIS), which often involves land management
  • Land information systems (LIS), which deals with land ownership
  • Spatial computing, which focuses on the ways that computers can evaluate images
  • Surveying, especially on large-scale, precision construction -- like the Chunnel

Many geomatics engineers work on teams that include computer programmers, land surveyors or resource managers. Their workweeks and days are usually standard, although some overtime work may be required when a large project is nearing completion.

While geomatics is an important field worldwide, it has grown especially fast in North America, where huge land areas and abundant natural resources must be mapped and managed.

At a Glance

Create and manage systems that manipulate geographic data

  • Work can be found in a variety of high-tech settings
  • You need to be able to handle high-level mathematical models
  • You'll need a bachelor's degree in engineering plus a specialty in geomatics

Contact

  • Email Support
  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900
  • North Dakota Career Resource Network
    ndcrn@nd.gov | (701) 328-9733

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