22214 Technical occupations in geomatics and meteorology

What this occupation covers

Technical occupations in geomatics include aerial survey, remote sensing, geographic information systems, cartographic and photogrammetric technologists and technicians, who gather, analyze, interpret and use geospatial information for applications in natural resources, geology, environmental research and land use planning. Meteorological technologists and technicians observe weather and atmospheric conditions, record, interpret, transmit and report on meteorological data, and provide weather information to the agricultural, natural resources and transportation industries and the public. Geomatics technologists and technicians are employed by all levels of government, utilities, mapping, computer software, forestry, architectural, engineering and consulting firms and other related establishments. Meteorological technologists and technicians are employed by all levels of government, the media, natural resources, utilities and transportation companies and consulting firms.

Official main duties

The NOC profile lists 19 main duties for this code.

• 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.
• 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.
• Plan map content, format and design and compile required data from aerial photographs, survey notes, records, reports and other maps
• 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.
• Examine and interpret aerial photographs to prepare topographic maps, aerial-photograph mosaics and related charts
• 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.
• 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.

Do not copy these lines into your reference letter. The letter has to describe what you actually did, in your employer’s words. DUTYPROOF flags wording lifted from the NOC as something to review, and an officer reading a letter that mirrors the NOC reads it the same way.

What DUTYPROOF screens for

This is DUTYPROOF’s screening threshold, not IRCC’s decision. For this NOC, screening requires at least 3 of its 19 official duties to be evidenced in your own words, plus the required letter elements. IRCC asks that you performed the actions in the occupation’s lead statement and a substantial number of its main duties — so treat the duty coverage as the number that matters, not the badge.

Codes this one is confused with

The NOC profile names these itself. Choosing the wrong code of a look-alike pair is the most common way genuine work experience fails to establish eligibility.

• 22101 Geological and mineral technologists and technicians
• 22212 Drafting technologists and technicians
• 21300 Civil engineers
• 22213 Land survey technologists and technicians
• 21203 Land surveyors
• 22300 Civil engineering technologists and technicians
• 21103 Meteorologists and climatologists

Excluded from this code

• Airborne geophysical equipment operator (See 22101 Geological and mineral technologists and technicians)
• Drafting technologists and technicians (See 22212 Drafting technologists and technicians)
• Geomatics engineer (See 21300 Civil engineers)
• Land survey technologists and technicians (See 22213 Land survey technologists and technicians)
• Land surveyors (See 21203 Land surveyors)
• Land use technician (See 22300 Civil engineering technologists and technicians)
• Meteorologists and climatologists (See 21103 Meteorologists and climatologists)
• Surveying engineer (See 21300 Civil engineers)
• Urban planning technician (See 22300 Civil engineering technologists and technicians)

Job titles filed under this code

A title on this list does not by itself put your experience in this code — the duties in your letter decide that.

aerial photograph analyst · aerial photograph interpreter · aerial photograph technician · aerial survey technician · aerial survey technologist · aerological observer · aerological technician · airborne data acquisition specialist · avalanche controller · avalanche observer · avalanche technician · cartographer · cartographic compiler · cartographic draftsman/woman · cartographic technician · cartographic technologist · climate data processor · climate service technician · climatological technician · geographic information systems (GIS) technician · geographic information systems (GIS) technologist · geological information system technician · geological information system technologist · geological mapping technician

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''.
• Meteorological technicians require completion of a one-year meteorological technician program provided by the Meteorological Service of Canada.
• Further specialized training is available for meteorological technicians, and may be required by some employers.