Technical occupations in geomatics and meteorology

Source: Job Bank Canada. Wages may vary by region and experience.

• This group performs some or all of the following duties:
• Aerial survey and remote sensing technologists and technicians
• Operate analog or digital airborne remote sensing equipment such as survey film or digital cameras, laser or radar sensors and scanners to prepare images, data and graphic reports, maps and charts from airborne or satellite data
• Develop specialized analog and computer software specific routines to customize and integrate image analysis
• Inspect quality of recorded images, verify the integrity and accuracy of data contained in remote sensing image analysis systems, and adjust equipment as required.
• Geographic information systems (GIS) technologists and technicians
• Operate specialized computer hardware and software and peripheral equipment to model, manage, analyze and display geospatial data
• Develop specialized computer software routines, Internet-based GIS, database and business applications to customize geographic information
• Work with external organizations on data transfer and systems compatibility issues
• Perform data entry and editing activities and maintenance operations to systems following predetermined calibration procedures
• Integrate external software such as spreadsheets and statistical packages with GIS software
• Train and provide technical support for GIS users.
• Cartographic technologists and technicians
• Plan map content, format and design and compile required data from aerial photographs, survey notes, records, reports and other maps
• Generate maps and related graphs and charts using digital mapping techniques, computer interactive graphics, computer-assisted design and drafting (CAD) software, traditional drafting methods and computer or traditional scribing tools
• Inspect final compositions to ensure completeness and accuracy.
• Photogrammetric technologists and technicians
• Examine and interpret aerial photographs to prepare topographic maps, aerial-photograph mosaics and related charts
• Operate digitized stereoscopic plotting and computer graphics equipment to provide three-dimensional optical models of terrain, to trace maps, and to prepare charts and tables
• Monitor recording quality and adjust equipment as required and inspect quality of recorded images.
• Meteorological technologists and technicians
• Observe, record and transmit atmospheric and weather information including air pressure, temperature, humidity, precipitation and cloud, wind and ultraviolet conditions
• Observe, chart and report on ice conditions in navigable waters and snow conditions, and participate in programs to forecast and control avalanches in mountainous terrain
• Maintain climatological databases, analyze and interpret weather data and participate in the production of weather maps, charts and reports
• Install, inspect, monitor, calibrate and maintain meteorological equipment and instruments.

• Completion of secondary school is required.
• Geomatics technologists and technicians require completion of a college program in geomatics, cartography, photogrammetry, aerial survey, remote sensing, geographic information system (GIS) or geomatics.
• In Quebec, membership in the regulatory body for professional technologists is required to use the title ''Professional Technologist''.
• Meteorological technicians require completion of a one-year meteorological technician program provided by the Meteorological Service of Canada.
• Further specialized training is available for meteorological technicians, and may be required by some employers.