Mapping Technician
Technical occupations in geomatics include aerial survey, remote sensing, geographic information systems, cartographic and photogrammetric technologists and technicians, who gather, analyze, interpret and use geospatial information for applications in natural resources, geology, environmental research and land use planning. Geomatics technologists and technicians are employed by all levels of government, utilities, mapping, computer software, forestry, architectural, engineering and consulting firms and other related establishments.
Typical Duties:
- Identifies and compiles database information to create maps in response to identified needs or purposes;
- Produces or updates overlay maps to show information on boundaries, bodies of water, topography, roads, and the like;
- Traces contours or topographic details to generate maps that identify specific land or property locations;
- Compares topographical features or contour lines with images from aerial photographs or other reference materials to verify the accuracy of current maps;
- Determines scales, line sizes or colours t be used for hard copies of computerized maps;
- Monitors mapping activities or updates of maps to endured accuracy and the inclusion of new or changed information;
- Enters Global Positioning System (GPS) data, legal deeds, field notes or land survey reports into Geographic Information System (GIS) databases as a preliminary step to the development of maps and other geographic products;
- Calculates latitudes, longitudes, angles, areas, and other information needed for maps;
- Identifies, researches, and resolves anomalies in legal land descriptions;
- Combines existing property information to describe property boundaries in relation to adjacent properties taking into account the most recent parcel splits, combinations, or land boundary adjustments
Educational Requirements:
Two-year college program in cartography, photogrammetry, aerial survey, remote sensing, geographic information systems or geomatics