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
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$52,140
$75,082
$93,852
Job openings
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British Columbia
367expected 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
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
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