Technical occupations in geomatics and meteorology

Cartographic technologists and technicians:

• Plan map content, format and design, and compile required data from aerial photographs, survey notes, records, reports and other maps
• Create 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
• Check final designs to ensure completeness and accuracy

Photogrammetric technologists and technicians:

• 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 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

Aerial survey technologists and technicians:

• Operate airborne remote sensing equipment, such as survey film or digital cameras, laser or radar sensors, and scanners which produce images of the earth, coastline or atmosphere
• Monitor recording quality, adjust equipment as required, verify the integrity and accuracy of data contained in remote sensing image analysis systems and inspect quality of recorded images

Geographic information systems (GIS) technologists and technicians:

• Operate specialized computer hardware, computer software and peripheral equipment to model, manage, analyze and display geospatial data
• Develop specialized computer software routines, Internet based GIS and database and business applications to customize geographic information
• Work with outside organizations on data transfer and systems compatibility issues
• Perform data entry, editing activities and maintenance operations to systems following pre-determined calibration procedures
• Combine external software such as spreadsheets and statistical packages with GIS software
• Train and provide technical support for GIS users

Meteorological technologists and technicians perform some or all of the following duties:

• 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

Earnings is income that workers receive in exchange for their labour. Depending on the type of employment, earnings can be in the form of wages (hourly), salaries (fixed monthly or annual) or self-employed earnings.