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All classes in this program will be delivered online for the Winter 2021 term due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety guidelines. Learn more
Overview
Learn to perform surveys, create maps and develop geographic information systems by using global navigation satellite systems (GPS), laser scanning, remote sensing and photogrammetry in preparation for a career as a surveyor, junior party chief, survey assistant or mapping technologist.
Geomatics technologists work in government, construction, mining, energy exploration, and environmental sectors.
The Geomatics Engineering Technology program will provide you with extensive practical skills combined with a broad theoretical background to acquire tools and techniques used in: land surveying, remote sensing, cartography, geographic information systems (GIS), global navigation satellite systems (GPS), photogrammetry, geography and digital mapping.
To succeed in the program, you will need to be comfortable with mathematics and enjoy working with computers and instrumentation. In addition you must be a good team player, have good communication skills, and enjoy working outdoors.
This diploma program is two years in length, consisting of four 15-week semesters.
Is this the right fit for me?
Students who enjoy mathematics, are comfortable using computers and instrumentation will experience more success in this program. Additionally, the ideal candidates are methodical and pay attention to detail, have good work ethics and communication skills. Successful students can think visually about geometric forms and can appreciate details in drawings and objects.
Contact time with instructors in lectures and labs is about thirty hours per week. The average student is expected to spend about an additional twenty five hours per week on assignments, studying, and projects.
A career in Geomatics Engineering Technology typically includes both office and field work. Depending on a student’s particular career path the proportion of office and field exposure can vary significantly. In the GNT program, students are exposed to field work that simulates field activities.
Additionally, the ideal candidates are methodical and pay attention to detail, have good work ethic and communication skills. GNT graduates will often work in teams of various sizes. In the GNT program, many courses require working in teams for projects or lab assignments. This requires good communication and interpersonal skills.
Accreditation
This program is nationally accredited, at the technologist level, by the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT) and Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC). Graduates are eligible for certification by the Alberta Society of Surveying and Mapping Technologies (ASSMT) and the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals in Alberta (ASET).
Career Opportunities
Graduates may pursue job opportunities in land surveying, mapping, energy exploration and production, civil engineering and construction, geographic information systems (GIS), mining and natural resources and all levels of government.
Potential positions include:
- surveyor
- mapping technologist
Related careers include:
- geomatics engineer
- engineering design and drafting technologist
$48,000
Tuition and fees per year*
Year 1: $5,599
Year 2: $5,599
Year 1 (International): $18,779
Year 2 (International): $18,779
Year 1: TBA
Year 2: TBA
Year 1 (International): $18,340 (+fees TBD)
Year 2 (International): $19,624 (+fees TBD)
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
When can you apply?
- Applications for fall 2021 are open Oct. 7, 2020, until the program start date
| Term | Program start |
|---|---|
| Fall 2021 | Sept. 7, 2021 |
Check us out
Learn about land surveying, geography, cartography, geographic information systems (GIS) and global navigation satellite systems (GPS) through this program that prepares you for a career as a surveyor or mapping technologist in a number of sectors, including government, mining and energy exploration.
Admission Requirements
Admission and Selection
- Fall 2021 start: applications are open Oct. 7, 2020 until the program start date but are subject to change.
Admission Requirements
Completion of the following courses or equivalents:
- At least 50% in Math 30-1 or Pure Math 30, or at least 70% in Math 30-2,
- At least 50% in English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2,
- At least 50% in Science 30 or Physics 20.
- All applicants to must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada.
Direct entry: Four step process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply to Geomatics Engineering and submit your transcripts and/or anticipated final grades.
- Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Find out how to monitor your application status after you apply.
Communication during selection
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications.
We recommend you add construction.gnt@sait.ca and the sait.ca domain to your safe senders list or you risk missing critical email messages.
Courses
Program Outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
First Year
Semester 1
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| COMP-220 | Computer Fundamentals | 3.0 |
| ENGD-213 | Geomatics Drafting | 3.0 |
| MATH-238 | Math for Engineering & Tech I | 3.0 |
| MAPS-204 | Mapping Fundamentals | 3.0 |
| SURV-214 | Surveying I | 3.0 |
| Semester 1 Total | 15.0 | |
Semester 2
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| COMM-238 | Technical Communications I | 3.0 |
| MATH-288 | Math for Engineering & Tech II | 3.0 |
| SURV-230 | Satellite Positioning | 3.0 |
| SURV-248 | Surveying II | 3.0 |
| SURV-263 | Measurement Analysis and Adjustment | 3.0 |
| Semester 2 Total |
15.0 | |
| First Year Total |
30.0 | |
Second Year
Semester 3
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CADD-308 | Geomatics CADD Applications | 3.0 |
| MAPS-310 | Geodesy and Map Projections | 3.0 |
| MAPS-315 | Geographic Information Systems | 3.0 |
| SURV-330 | Surveying III | 3.0 |
| SURV-342 | Remote Sensing | 3.0 |
| Semester 3 Total |
15.0 | |
Semester 4
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| MAPS-362 | 3D Modeling | 3.0 |
| MAPS-365 | Photogrammetry | 3.0 |
| PROJ-385 | GNT Capstone Project | 3.0 |
| SURV-343 | Applications in Geomatics Engineering | 3.0 |
| SURV-345 | Cadastral Surveying | 3.0 |
| Semester 4 Total |
15.0 | |
| Second Year Total |
30.0 | |
| Program Total |
60.0 | |
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Transfer Options
The opportunity to advance your education through transfer to, within or from SAIT is available with the following universities and colleges:
- Athabasca University
- British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)
- Memorial University of Newfoundland (The Marine Institute)
- NAIT
- SAIT
- Thompson Rivers University
- University of Calgary
To learn more, visit Transfer Options.
Costs
2020/21 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4,377 | $682 | $288 | $252 | $5,599 |
| 2 | $4,377 | $682 | $288 | $252 | $5,599 |
2020/21 International Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $17,466 | $682 | $288 | $344 | $18,779 |
| 2 | $17,466 | $682 | $288 | $344 | $18,779 |
2021/22 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
Check back for updates on the 2021/22 domestic tuition and fees.
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TBA | $- | $- | $- | TBA |
| 2 | TBA | $- | $- | $- | TBA |
2021/22 International Tuition and Fees*
Check back for updates on the 2021/22 fees and program total.
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18,340 | $- | $- | $- | TBA |
| 2 | $19,624 | $- | $- | $- | TBA |
*Fees and tuition are based on a two-semester full course load structure. There may be additional fees for practicums and terms held outside this time frame.
SAIT Fees
Campus athletic and recreation Fee: $171.20
Universal transit pass (UPass): $310 - Check eligibility here.
Student support fee: $100
Student technology fee: $100
Health and Dental Fees
Domestic Students
- Health Plan: $122
- Dental Plan: $130
- For students with existing health and/or dental plans, please refer to the Saitsa website for information on opting out.
International Students
- Health and Dental Plan: $344
- For more information on Health and Dental Benefits for International students please contact the International Centre.
Books and supplies*
- Books and supplies are approximately $1,500 for the first year and $500 for the second year.
Find out about tuition and financial aid.
* Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
Fall 2020
Orientation
Orientation for new students will take place online on Sept. 3, 2020.
To find the time and platform, visit our orientation page.
Delivery
All classes in this program will be delivered online for the Fall 2020 term due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety guidelines.
How to register for classes
You'll follow an adjustable block registration process to enrol in your classes. Learn how to register on our registration and schedules page.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a workstation hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Required equipment/tools
- Solid Wi-Fi connection at home
Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
Wait to purchase your equipment, we'll discuss industry-approved PPE in class.
Preparation courses
To support your success, SAIT offers some short courses before classes start, including ETHI 110: SAIT Ethical Practices.
Required textbooks
The booklist will be available about two weeks before classes start.
Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck, no textbook purchase required this term.
Contact
Phone: 403.284.8367
Email: construction.GNT@sait.ca
Academic chair
Jess Villeneuve, Academic Chair
Email: jess.villeneuve@sait.ca