Description

Mapping and related technologists and technicians gather, analyze, interpret and use geospatial information for applications in natural resources, geology, environment and land use planning. This unit group includes technologists and technicians who design and prepare maps, interpret aerial photographs, operate interpretative and airborne remote sensing equipment, and develop and operate geographical information systems. They are employed by all levels of government, the armed forces, utilities, mapping, computer software, forestry, architectural, engineering and consulting firms and other related establishments.

Included Job Titles

aerial survey technician, cartographer, cartographic technician, geographic information systems (GIS) technician, map editor, mapping technician, photogrammetric technologist, photogrammetrist, remote sensing (RS) technician, softcopy photogrammetrist.

Job Duties

Cartographic technologists and technicians perform some or all of the following duties:

• 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 perform some or all of the following duties:

• 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.

Aerial survey technologists and technicians perform some or all of the following duties:

• Operate airborne remote sensing equipment such as survey film or digital cameras, laser or radar sensors and scanners which produce images of large areas of the earth, coastline, or of the atmosphere
• Monitor recording quality and adjust equipment as required and inspect quality of recorded images.

Remote sensing technologists and technicians perform some or all of the following duties:

• Operate analog or computer-based remote sensing interpretive equipment to prepare images, graphic and alphanumeric reports, maps and charts from airborne or satellite data
• Develop specialized analog and computer software specific routines to customize and integrate image analysis
• Verify the integrity and accuracy of data contained in remote sensing image analysis systems.

Geographic information systems (GIS) technologists and technicians perform some or all of the following duties:

• 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 pre-determined calibration procedures
• Integrate external software such as spreadsheets and statistical packages with GIS software
• Train and provide technical support for GIS users.

Related Occupations

Included Cities in this region

Camrose, Lloydminster, Drumheller, Hanna, Killam, Lamont, Provost, Stettler, Strathmore, Three Hills, Tofield, Two Hills, Vegreville, Vermilion, Viking, Vulcan, Wainwright

Service Canada Offices

View a list of Service Canada offices in this area.