Overview
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, and are comfortable using computers and instrumentation will experience more success in this program. 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 25 hours per week on assignments, studying, and projects.
Additionally, the ideal candidates are methodical and pay attention to detail, have good work ethic, and communication skills. Graduates will often work in teams of various sizes. In the program, many courses require working in teams for projects or lab assignments.
A career in Geomatics Engineering Technology typically includes both office and fieldwork. Depending on a student’s particular career path the proportion of office and field exposure can vary significantly. In the program, students are exposed to fieldwork that simulates field activities.
Accreditation
This program is nationally accredited, at the technologist level, by Technology Accreditation Canada. 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).
Credentials
After successfully completing this program, graduates will be awarded a SAIT diploma in Geomatics Engineering Technology.
Get more information about this and similar programs
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
Tuition and fees
Estimated cost per year:
Domestic total 2023/24
- Year 1: $7,240
- Year 2: $7,240
International total 2023/24
- Year 1: $21,167.80
- Year 2: $21,167.80
Final costs are dependent on the number of courses a student takes per semester.
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
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Admission requirements
Program requirements
Completion of the following courses or equivalents:
- at least 50% in Math 30-1, or at least 70% in Math 30-2, AND,
- at least 50% in English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2, AND,
- at least 50% in Science 30 or Physics 20.
All applicants 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. SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.
When should you apply?
Visit our Apply page to see when applications open and close for upcoming semesters.
To see which semesters this program has intakes for, look at the Available Intakes information at the top of this page.
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 the program and submit your transcripts.
Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Continue to monitor your application status through mySAIT.ca.
You must submit final transcripts/grades to show you have completed the courses and met the minimum admission requirements by the transcript deadline or your seat will be rescinded.
This program meets the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program for international students as long as the student is enrolled in the on-campus delivery mode or completes more than 50% of the courses on campus (for the blended option). International students attending all classes online will NOT be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. International students are responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.
Communication during admission
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 the construction.advising@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
When do classes start?
Classes for this program adhere to the following year start and end dates based on the semester the student begins their program.
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year-end date |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2022 | Sept. 6, 2022 | April 28, 2023 |
| Fall 2023 | Sept. 5, 2023 | April 26, 2024 |
Courses
Program outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
Open Studies courses available
Some courses in this program are available through Open Studies.
Open Studies is a great way to explore a certain subject before diving into the full program. See what courses are offered by finding this program on the Open Studies courses tab.
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 & Technology 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 | Geomatics Engineering Technology 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.
Review our grading and progression procedure >
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education by transferring in, within or on from SAIT is available.
Learn more about program and institution partnership agreements.
Costs 2023/24
Tuition and fees
The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2023. They are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year. *
Domestic students
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $5,670 | $948 | $622 | $7,240 |
| 2 | 2 | $5,670 | $948 | $622 | $7,240 |
International students
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $19,597.80 | $948 | $622 | $21,167.80 |
| 2 | 2 | $19,597.80 | $948 | $622 | $21,167.80 |
*For a detailed breakdown of tuition costs per course, visit the domestic and international fee tables.
Fees
Your fees are calculated based on the number of course credits you take per semester (approximately 16 weeks of study). In most cases, your fee is determined based on whether you're taking more or less than nine (9) course credits (more than nine credits in a semester are considered full-time studies.)
Fees are adjusted for programs with start dates outside of the typical 15-week program.
Learn more about what your fees are for
Fees are subject to change without notice.
| Fees | < 9 credits per semester | > 9 credits per semester |
| SAIT fees | ||
| Campus athletic and recreation | $51.50 | $103 |
| Student support fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| Student technology fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| UPass* | N/A | $160 |
| Total | $157 | $474 |
| Saitsa fees | ||
| Student association fee** | $16.22/credit | $146 |
| Health plan*** | N/A | $86 ($172 annually) |
| Dental plan*** | N/A | $79 ($158 annually) |
| Total | $311 maximum | $476 |
*Additional eligibility requirements apply for students to obtain a UPass. To check your eligibility, visit our Upass page.
**Saitsa fees are paid per credit to a maximum amount of $146 per semester.
***Health and dental fees are charged per semester to an annual maximum amount of $172 for health and $158 for dental. In most cases, program fees quoted are based on students paying for a full year of health and dental coverage. International students are charged these fees regardless of course load. Domestic students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Learn more at saitsa.com/benefits.
Books and supplies*
Books and supplies are approximately $1,500 for the first year and $500 for the second year.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about your tuition and financial aid options
*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.
Orientation
Your program orientation (ORNT 118) will be held on campus on Sept. 1. Check your schedule in mySAIT for the time and location details.
Learn more about campus orientation.
How to register for classes
Course registration opens on March 1 through March 15 for Spring 2023.
You’ll receive an email from us indicating what registration process you’ll use to enroll in your classes.
Learn more about how to register and the different registration methods used at SAIT.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
Wait to purchase your equipment, we'll discuss industry-approved PPE in class.
Preparation courses
To support your success, short courses are available to you to help prepare you for the academic year:
MATH 123: Mathematics Refresher
Give your math skills a boost, refresh some of the basics and get ready for calculus with a review of algebra, geometry, functions, graphs, trigonometry, exponents, systems of equations and more.
MATH-123 is specifically designed to help prepare students who must take MATH 238 as part of their program.
The course is virtual, self-paced, and can be accessed on Brightspace (D2L) from January 3, 2023 until April 28, 2023.
Register online between November 23, 2022 and January 23, 2023.
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
PREP 100: The SAIT Experience
Get tips and insider information on time management, exam preparation, effective notetaking and more through this free, online short course for new students. Plus, learn about discussion boards, online communication and submitting assignments online. Course completion is recommended by the end of your first semester.
Both courses can be accessed through Brightspace (D2L) before the first day of classes.
Students taking a full-time course load, or more than nine (9) credits per semester, will be automatically enrolled in these courses.
They are optional for students taking a part-time course load (9 or fewer credits per semester). Part-time students can register by emailing academic.coaching@sait.ca.
Required textbooks
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.
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: 403.284.8469
Email: construction.GNT@sait.ca
Academic chair
Blair Marsden, Academic Chair
Email: blair.marsden@sait.ca
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
Your journey starts here
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