Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Geomatics provides students with excellent opportunities for career enhancement and professional growth. This degree will appeal primarily to graduate Geomatics Engineering Technologists who wish to gain professional accreditation as land surveyors or pursue other areas of geomatics such as mapping or hydrography.
Survey a career
The Association of British Columbia Land Surveyors have developed a number of videos which give an insight into the exciting career of a land surveyor. For further information on becoming a BC Land Surveyor visit The Association of British Columbia Land Surveyors.
Check out the ABCLS YouTube Channel
Testimonial
“As an industry leader, McElhanney has developed a close relationship with BCIT to better prepare their Geomatics students to enter the workforce upon graduation. We have found summer students to be keen, hard workers, and very engaged in the survey process. Many of these students have then returned to McElhanney as full-time employees. I couldn’t be happier with the relationship we have with BCIT and the process we have in place to help build the careers of these young and talented individuals.”
Jack Clarke, McElhanney Consulting Services Ltd
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Entrance Requirements
Application processing
Open to applications beginning October 1st (or next business day).
Entrance requirements
This program has a two-step admission process. Applicants must meet all entrance requirements and will be accepted on a first-qualified basis as long as space remains.
Step 1: Meet the following entrance requirements:
- Post-secondary: A recognized Diploma in Geomatics with a minimum GPA of 65%
- English language proficiency: Category 2 – English Studies 12 (67%) or equivalent
Applicants who have completed post-secondary studies outside of Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, or New Zealand will require a comprehensive evaluation of their credentials by the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES). Credential evaluation reports from other Canadian services may be considered. These reports must include course-by-course evaluations and GPA calculations.
Read more about how to meet BCIT’s entrance requirements.
Applicants currently enrolled in the last term of their degree/diploma program must be on track to complete their credential by May. To apply, submit both of the following documents from your post-secondary institution:
- Transcript of completed courses
- Confirmation of enrolment letter verifying your current course enrolment and registration in the final term of your degree/diploma
Step 2: Department assessment:
Applicants will be reviewed when the entrance requirements are complete. Those that require supplemental courses to fulfill the educational background for practice in the Geomatics industry will be contacted for a meeting with the Program Head.
Applicants with related post-secondary education may be eligible for advanced placement into the second year of BCIT's Geomatics Engineering Technology Diploma before continuing into the Bachelor of Science in Geomatics.
Continuation requirements
Students must complete a minimum of six months of approved discipline-related work experience to graduate from this program.International applicants
This program is available to international applicants.
Study permit: A valid BCIT study permit is required prior to starting the program.
Students enrolled in this program must complete the mandatory work component to qualify for graduation. A co-op work permit is required prior to starting the work component.
Apply to program
To submit your application:
- Include proof of meeting all entrance requirements.
- Convert all transcripts and supporting documents to PDF files.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.
Apply Now
Scheduled Intakes
September each year.
myCommunication
Within two business days of submitting your completed application, BCIT will send a message to your personal and myBCIT email addresses. All correspondence regarding your application will be posted to your online myCommunication account at my.bcit.ca. We will send you an email when a new message is posted. It is important to watch for these emails or regularly check your account online.
You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within four weeks.
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- Next up Costs & Supplies
Costs & Supplies
Tuition fees
Use our tuition estimator to find tuition and fees for this program.
For more information on full-time tuition and fees, visit:
Books & supplies
Year 3: $800; Year 4: $750
These are estimated costs, subject to change.
Financial assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
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- Next up Courses
Courses
Program matrix
Level 5 (15 weeks): | Credits | ||
---|---|---|---|
BLAW 3100 | Business Law | 4.0 | |
GEOM 5111 | Geospatial Data Management | 4.0 | |
GEOM 5115 | Land Use Planning | 3.0 | |
GEOM 5140 | Introduction to Least Squares | 4.0 | |
GEOM 5185 | RPAS Applications | 3.0 | |
LIBS 7001 | Critical Reading and Writing | 3.0 | |
Level 6 (15 weeks): | Credits | ||
ECON 1150 | Economic Issues | 3.0 | |
GEOM 6106 | GIS Applications | 3.0 | |
GEOM 6121 | Physical Geodesy | 4.0 | |
GEOM 6125 | Advanced Adjustments | 3.0 | |
GEOM 6130 | Geomatics Project Planning | 2.0 | |
GEOM 6165 | Advanced Photogrammetry | 3.0 | |
Level 7 (15 weeks): | Credits | ||
GEOM 5155 | Cadastral Studies and Land Registration Systems | 3.0 | |
GEOM 7111 | GeoCloud Analytics and Automation | 4.0 | |
GEOM 7121 | Satellite Geodesy | 4.0 | |
GEOM 7130 | Geomatics Project 1 | 2.0 | |
GEOM 7150 | Advanced Topics in Precision Survey | 5.0 | |
Plus one General Education Elective (minimum 3.0 credits) View the General Education Requirements [PDF] for a list of pre-approved academic disciplines or to access the General Education elective pre-approval form. |
|||
Level 8 (15 weeks): | Credits | ||
BUSA 7250 | Management Skills and Applications | 3.0 | |
GEOM 6175 | Survey Law | 3.0 | |
GEOM 8130 | Geomatics Project 2 | 4.0 | |
GEOM 8195 | Hydrographic Surveying | 4.0 | |
LIBS 7002 | Applied Ethics | 3.0 | |
*Liberal Studies Elective (3.0 credits): Students are automatically registered into LIBS 7002 to meet graduation requirements. Students can elect to take another LIBS elective course or apply for credits completed at other institutions. These credits must be achieved in accordance with the BCIT Policy on Liberal Studies Requirements. |
|||
Total Credits: | 77.0 |
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
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- Next up Program Details
Program Details
- Upon completion of the BCIT Diploma in Geomatics Engineering Technology (Academic Years 1 and 2) or the equivalent, students can continue into Years 3 and 4.
- Academic Year 3 consists of levels 5 and 6. Academic Year 4 consists of levels 7 and 8.
- Each year has two terms. Each term is fifteen weeks long. Levels 5 and 7 are from September to December for fifteen consecutive weeks. Levels 6 and 8 are from January to April with fifteen weeks of classes and a weeklong Spring Break in March.
- Lectures and labs are offered Monday to Friday, from 8:30 to 17:30, except on Wednesdays when classes end at 14:30.
- The 23 courses offered over the four terms are a combination of Geomatics technical courses, Business Management courses, and Liberal Studies courses. A research project is a key component of the degree which is planned in level 6 and executed and completed in levels 7 and 8.
Program goals
Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Geomatics, graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate competency in the planning, design and execution of topographic, engineering, control, cadastral, hydrographic, photogrammetric, and laser-scanning surveys.
- Evaluate equipment-testing and calibration results to determine the accuracy, precision, and limitations of the equipment.
- Apply problem-solving skills to typical geomatics projects and demonstrate an understanding of the limitations of data collection, processing, and analysis techniques.
- Manage a satellite positioning project to meet a predefined set of survey specifications through the planning, estimation, and execution stages.
- Design and create databases using proprietary software tools to store attribute and spatial data and perform GIS analysis of vector and raster data.
- Undertake cadastral surveys within the legal and institutional frameworks that govern the work of cadastral surveyors.
- Identify the relationships between land surveying and law and how laws affect the land surveying profession, with specific reference to Real Property Law, Boundary Law, and Natural Boundaries.
- Interpret remotely sensed images using image analysis software.
- Advise a client on the types of systems, techniques and products that would be most effective in achieving their mapping requirements, given a set of project specifications.
- Make informed decisions, solve problems, and explore potential opportunities in business environments.
- Explain, validate, and verify the results of a chosen methodology using a critical appraisal approach.
- Apply a professional and ethical approach to working with colleagues and clients, through effective communication, life-long learning and continued professional development
Work experience
- In addition to the academic years, students are required to provide proof of six months of approved discipline-related work experience prior to graduation.
- Work experience can be accumulated in the summer months between academic years or by working for one consecutive year, giving students several options to fulfill the minimum requirements.
Program length
Two years, full-time.
The program runs from September to April each year.
Accreditation
Recognition of this degree as a specialized qualification for advanced technical and management roles is in demand from professional groups and industry associations. Graduates from a Canadian Board of Examiners for Professional Surveyors (CBEPS) accredited program are automatically eligible to receive their Certificate of Completion. This is a major milestone on the road to becoming a licensed land surveyor in BC and in Canada.
Program delivery
In person: This program is delivered on campus.
Several degree courses are available through flexible learning (part-time studies). A broad selection of CBEPS-specific courses are currently being developed for online delivery.
Students wanting to take individual flexible learning (part-time studies) courses do not need to apply for acceptance into the Bachelor of Science in Geomatics degree program, but must have completed a Diploma in Geomatics and require approval from the department.
Part-time students are responsible for registration and payment for each course. Part-time students interested in registering for individual courses from our full-time program should contact Arrian Macharia, Program Assistant, at 604-451-7001 for details.
Program location
Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC
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- Next up Graduating & Jobs
Graduating & Jobs
Apply for graduation
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, complete an Application for BCIT Credential [PDF] and submit it to Student Information and Enrolment Services.
Allow approximately six to eight weeks for processing.
All financial obligations to the Institute must be met prior to issuance of any credential.
- Go back Program Details
- Next up Faculty, Advisors & Staff
Faculty, Advisors & Staff
Faculty
Mark Dailey, BCLS, P.Surv
Program Head
Tel: 604-432-8627
Email: mark_dailey@bcit.ca
Grant Shelest, MBA, BTech, AScT (Ret.)
Tel: 604-453-4051
Email: jshelest@bcit.ca
James Cowan, AScT, BSc
Marketing & Media
Tel: 604-432-8992
Email: jcowan@bcit.ca
Sean Galway, BSc, MSc
Tel: 604-432-8283
Email: sgalway@bcit.ca
Ian Gatrell, DiplT
Tel: 604-431-4960
Email: ian_gatrell@bcit.ca
Christopher Griffith, BSc
Tel: 604-431-4943
Email: cgriffith9@bcit.ca
Scott Netherton, BCLS, CLS, P.Surv
Tel: 604-431-4993
Email: snetherton@bcit.ca
John Ogundare, PhD
Tel: 604-431-4944
Email: john_ogundare@bcit.ca
Klint Poonoosamy, DiplT
Tel: 604-451-7197
Email: klint_poonoosamy@bcit.ca
Mohammad Rajabi, PhD, EIT
Tel: 604-432-8706
Email: mrajabi@bcit.ca
Eric Saczuk, PhD
Tel: 604-451-7197
Email: eric_saczuk@bcit.ca
Evan Yao, AScT, BCE, MBA
Tel: 604-456-8164
Email: evan_yao@bcit.ca
Alan Weston, MBA, MSc, PGeo
Coordinator – Part Time Studies
Tel: 604-454-2240
Email: alan_weston@bcit.ca
Staff
Ron Tuck
Survey Stores Coordinator
Tel: 604-451-6704
Email: rtuck4@bcit.ca
Arrian Macharia
Program Assistant
Tel: 604-451-7001
Email: arrian_macharia@bcit.ca
Advisory committee
- Harinder Badial (Chair) – City of Surrey
- Warren Barnard – Watson & Barnard
- Joe Coelho – Matson, Peck & Topliss
- Rob Glass – City of Vancouver
- Mark LeBlanc – Canadian Hydrographic Service
- Jeff Liedtke – DWB Consulting
- Trevor Key – BC Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure
- David Mostyn – Terra Remote Sensing
- Kevin Percy – Pro-Tech Surveys Ltd
- Steve Rombough – McElhanney Ltd
- Cristin Schlossberger – Land Title & Survey Authority of BC
- Leslie Sick – Association of BC Land Surveyors
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Flexible Learning
Delivery Mode: ONLINE AND ON-CAMPUS
- Your education is our priority and we will continue to deliver the applied instruction, collaborative experience, and industry connections that you expect from BCIT.
Our Flexible Learning (formerly Part-time Studies) courses are intended for those who need professional development to upgrade their knowledge or require job-related academic qualifications, but are not working towards a diploma or degree in Geomatics. These courses may also provide the prospect students further credits to obtain the Canadian Board of Examiners for Professional Surveyors (CBEPS) exemption or certification as Applied Science Technicians with ASTTBC.
The BCIT Geomatics department offers the following courses on campus:
GEOM 2110 Pre-Entry Field Surveying (Spring term only)
GEOM 2120 Pre-entry Survey Computations (Spring term only)
GEOM 2130 Pre-Entry CAD and Geospatial Software Applications (Spring term only)
SURV 1101 Survey Instrument Operations: Levels (Winter term only)
SURV 1104 Basic Surveying with Total Stations (Winter and Fall terms)
SURV 2205 Civil 3D: Introduction (Winter, Spring and Fall terms)
SURV 5108 Fundamentals of Surveying (Winter, Spring and Fall terms)
Please note – these course offerings are subject to change.
The list of online Flexible Learning courses below have been granted exemptions by CBEPS. Students may receive approval to register for these online courses with completion of 2-year Geomatics diploma, and meeting all other prerequisites. To receive approval, students must submit their official academic transcript(s) and BCIT Student ID to geomatics@bcit.ca. You can create your BCIT Student ID at https://secure.bcit.ca/sis/reg/.
GEOM 4080 Coordinate Systems and Mathematical Cartography (Fall term only)
GEOM 5120 Geodetic Positioning 1 (Fall term only)
GEOM 6120 Geodetic Positioning 2 (Winter term only)
GEOM 8195 Hydrographic Surveying (Winter term only)
GEOM 6140 Special Topics in Adjustments (Winter and Fall terms)
GEOM 7150 Advanced Topics in Precision Survey (Winter and Spring terms)
and
SURV 1125 Unmanned Aircraft Systems Applications for Geomatics (Spring and Fall terms) – not for CBEPS exemption
Please note – these course offerings are subject to change.
The courses that are not offered through Flexible Learning are available to full-time students in the full-time program only. In order to enroll in day school courses (on campus only), you need to apply and be accepted to the program. Once you are accepted you can decide which courses you want to be enrolled in and can drop all other courses. Please note that there is no exception to this as it is a BCIT policy.
Contact:
- Arrian Macharia, Program Assistant
- Alan Weston, Part-time Studies Coordinator
Industry Training
BCIT Geomatics Engineering Flexible Learning is available to consult with your company to develop specific courses to meet your needs in a variety of Geomatics and Land Information related topics. We also offer employee assessment in the Geomatics field. Please contact Alan Weston (604-454-2240) for details.
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- Next up CBEPS
CBEPS
The Canadian Board of Examiners for Professional Surveyors (CBEPS) establishes, assesses and certifies the academic qualifications of individuals who apply to become land surveyors and/or geomatics professionals in Canada.
Exemptions to writing some or all CBEPS examinations are granted to candidates who have graduated from an accredited University degree program or from a Technical Institute diploma program that has been granted equivalencies. A list of universities and technical institutes with relevant exemptions is available on the CBEPS website.
The BCIT Geomatics department offers the following online Flexible Learning (formerly Part-time Studies) courses which have been granted exemptions by CBEPS. Students may receive approval to register for these online courses with completion of 2-year Geomatics diploma, and meeting all other prerequisites. To receive approval, students must submit their official academic transcript(s) and BCIT Student ID to geomatics@bcit.ca. You can create your BCIT Student ID at https://secure.bcit.ca/sis/reg/.
GEOM 4080 Coordinate Systems and Mathematical Cartography (Fall term only)
GEOM 5120 Geodetic Positioning 1 (Fall term only)
GEOM 6120 Geodetic Positioning 2 (Winter term only)
GEOM 8195 Hydrographic Surveying (Winter term only)
GEOM 6140 Special Topics in Adjustments (Winter and Fall terms)
GEOM 7150 Advanced Topics in Precision Survey (Winter and Spring terms)
Please note – these course offerings are subject to change.
The courses that are not offered through Flexible Learning are available to full-time students in the full-time program only. In order to enroll in day school courses, online or on campus, you need to apply and be accepted to the program. Once you are accepted you can decide which courses you want to be enrolled in and can drop all other courses. Please note that there is no exception to this as it is a BCIT policy.
Contact:
- Arrian Macharia, Program Assistant
- Alan Weston, Part-time Studies Coordinator
In addition to these are three Business Practices and Profession courses required for the C11 exemption offered through the BCIT School of Business:
BLAW 3100 – Business Law
BUSA 7250 – Management Skills & Applications
ECON 1150 – Economic Issues
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Contact Us
Please contact Program Advising if you have questions about:
- Application process
- Entrance requirements
- Applying for transfer credit and advanced placement
- Program costs
- Job placement and graduate outcomes
Tel: 604-434-1610
Email: program_advising@bcit.ca
Arrian Macharia
Program Assistant
Tel: 604-451-7001
Email: arrian_macharia@bcit.ca
Questions or comments?
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