Studies & Degrees in Geomatics Technology
Geomatics is the discipline of measuring, analysing and managing data about where things are. The University of Florida, one of the schools in this list, describes it as the integrated approach of measurement, analysis and management of the descriptions and locations of geospatial data, which come from earth-orbiting satellites, air and sea-borne sensors and ground-based instruments. It brings together surveying, remote sensing and photogrammetry, cartography, geographic information systems (GIS), cadastral studies and global positioning.
Geomatics technology is the applied side of the field: operating the instruments, processing the measurements and producing maps and models. Students learn to collect, visualise, model and analyse geospatial data, and to use digital imaging and computer modelling. Programmes combine mathematics and computing with fieldwork.
Qualifications and levels
The subject is taught at technician and professional level, and the right level depends on the job in view.
- Certificates and diplomas. Short programmes train surveying and mapping technicians. Idaho State University, for example, offers a Basic Technical Certificate in Surveying and an Academic Certificate in Land Surveying next to its bachelor's degree. In Canada, the University of Calgary has a transfer pathway for students who hold an approved diploma in geomatics engineering technology and want to complete a bachelor's degree.
- Bachelor's degrees. Idaho State University teaches a bachelor's degree in Surveying and Geomatics Engineering Technology that is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET and offered through online learning. The University of Florida's bachelor's degree in Geomatics is accredited by the Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commission of ABET and is available in Gainesville, Fort Lauderdale and Plant City. The University of Calgary's BSc in Geomatics Engineering is, according to the university, the only geomatics engineering degree in Western Canada and is recognised by the Canadian Board of Examiners for Professional Surveyors and the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board; it has a cadastral surveying concentration for students who want to become professional land surveyors.
- Postgraduate study. Graduates who want to specialise or do research can continue at postgraduate level: the Department of Geomatics Engineering of the University of Calgary, for example, offers a course-based Master of Engineering, a thesis-based Master of Science and a PhD.
Licensing
Technician work and professional surveying are different things. In the United States, all 50 states and the District of Columbia require surveyors to be licensed before they can provide their services to the public, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). NCEES, the body that sets the exams, describes the usual path: a bachelor's degree from an ABET-accredited surveying programme, four years of work experience in most states, and the Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) and Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) exams plus a state-specific exam. The FS exam is generally the first step. Idaho State University notes that many states require a four-year or two-year degree in surveying. Rules differ by state and by country, so check them with the licensing body of the place where you want to work.
Where to study geomatics technology
SpainExchange lists 11 active schools for geomatics technology. Four are in the United States and two in Canada; Ethiopia, Australia, Ireland, Zimbabwe and the Czech Republic have one each. The US schools are the University of Florida, Idaho State University, Troy University and Greenville Technical College. In Canada the list has the University of Calgary and Lethbridge College. It also includes Technological University Dublin, the University of Melbourne, the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen, Addis Ababa University and Midlands State University in Gweru.
The programmes described here are taught in English. For the other schools, check the language of instruction and the entry requirements with the school.
Careers
Graduates work as surveying and mapping technicians, GIS technicians, land surveyors, photogrammetrists and hydrographic surveyors, and in newer areas that the University of Calgary lists for its graduates, such as geospatial data science and software development, navigation systems, and remote sensing with unmanned aerial systems. Employers include engineering and surveying companies and local, state and national government agencies.
In the United States, the BLS projects employment of surveyors to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, with about 3,100 openings a year, and employment of surveying and mapping technicians to grow 6 percent as well, with about 6,900 openings a year. Technicians typically need a high school diploma, although some employers prefer candidates with additional education, and training or experience in GIS technology helps. Surveyors typically need a bachelor's degree.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between geomatics and surveying?
Surveying is one part of geomatics. Geomatics also covers remote sensing and photogrammetry, cartography, geographic information systems and global positioning, as the University of Florida describes it.
Do I need a degree to work in geomatics?
It depends on the role. According to the BLS, surveying and mapping technicians typically need a high school diploma, and some employers prefer more education. Surveyors typically need a bachelor's degree.
How do I become a licensed surveyor in the United States?
NCEES describes the usual path as a bachelor's degree from an ABET-accredited surveying programme, four years of work experience in most states, and the FS and PS exams plus a state-specific exam. Requirements vary by state.
Can I study geomatics online?
Some programmes can be followed at a distance. Idaho State University offers its Surveying and Geomatics Engineering Technology programme through online learning, with laboratory activities supervised by a local mentor.