Meteorological technicians

Overview

Meteorological technicians

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Aerial survey and remote sensing technologists and technicians

  • Operate analog or digital airborne remote sensing equipment such as survey film or digital cameras, laser or radar sensors and scanners to prepare images, data and graphic reports, maps and charts from airborne or satellite data

  • Develop specialized analog and computer software specific routines to customize and integrate image analysis

  • Inspect quality of recorded images, verify the integrity and accuracy of data contained in remote sensing image analysis systems, and adjust equipment as required.

  • Geographic information systems (GIS) technologists and technicians

  • 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 predetermined calibration procedures

  • Integrate external software such as spreadsheets and statistical packages with GIS software

  • Train and provide technical support for GIS users.

  • Cartographic technologists and technicians

  • Plan map content, format and design and compile required data from aerial photographs, survey notes, records, reports and other maps

  • 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

  • Monitor recording quality and adjust equipment as required and inspect quality of recorded images.

  • Meteorological technologists and technicians

  • Observe, record and transmit atmospheric and weather information including air pressure, temperature, humidity, precipitation and cloud, wind and ultraviolet conditions

  • Observe, chart and report on ice conditions in navigable waters and snow conditions, and participate in programs to forecast and control avalanches in mountainous terrain

  • Maintain climatological databases, analyze and interpret weather data and participate in the production of weather maps, charts and reports

  • Install, inspect, monitor, calibrate and maintain meteorological equipment and instruments.

  • 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

  • Examine and interpret aerial photographs to prepare topographic maps, aerial-photograph mosaics and related charts

Job titles

  • aerial photograph analyst
  • aerial photograph interpreter
  • aerial photograph technician
  • aerial survey technician
  • aerial survey technologist
  • aerological observer

Employment prospects

Source: BC Labour Market Outlook 2023 edition
The labour market information for this career is aggregate data for Technical occupations in geomatics and meteorology

Annual salary

Low

$52,140

Median

$75,082

High

$93,852

Job openings

Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.

British Columbia

367

expected job openings (5-year forecast)

Education and training

Employment requirements

  • Completion of secondary school is required.

  • Geomatics technologists and technicians require completion of a college program in geomatics, cartography, photogrammetry, aerial survey, remote sensing, geographic information system (GIS) or geomatics.

  • In Quebec, membership in the regulatory body for professional technologists is required to use the title 'Professional Technologist'.

Additional information

  • Geomatics is an interdisciplinary field encompassing the collection, analysis and presentation of geographically referenced data.

  • Mobility is possible between some occupations in this unit group.

Certification requirements

  • No certification requirements

Post-secondary programs in B.C.

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