Overview
The Geomatics Engineering Technology diploma program is a two-year course of study leading to a nationally recognized and accredited Diploma in Geomatics Technology. Students in this program acquire a solid background in applied math and physics, cartography, photogrammetry, field surveying, geodetic surveying, and computer applications.
Practical skills include field surveying, GNSS (GPS) and total station data collection and analysis, as well as computer-assisted digital mapping, utilizing aerial photography and laser scan data. Prospective students should have a genuine interest in mathematics, computers, and earth sciences and enjoy working in both outdoor field and in-office environments.
Survey a career
The YouTube video was produced at BCIT’s Burnaby Campus and offers an insight into the exciting career of a land surveyor. For further information on becoming a BC Land Surveyor visit www.abcls.ca.
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Entrance Requirements
Application processing
Open to applications beginning October 1st (or next business day).
Entrance requirements
Applicants must meet all entrance requirements and will be accepted on a first-qualified basis as long as space remains.
- English language proficiency: Category 2 – English Studies 12 (67%) or equivalent
- Math: one of the following:
- Pre-Calculus 12 (60%) or
- Other acceptable BC and Yukon courses
- Physics 11 (50%)
International applicants
This program is available to international applicants. A valid study permit is required prior to starting the program.
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.
Technology entry
The Technology Entry (TE) program is a full-time, day school program which provides academic upgrading to students wishing to enroll in Computing, Engineering, Electronic, and Health Sciences programs at BCIT.
The TE program provides courses in chemistry, communication, mathematics, and physics that meet program prerequisites for selected programs at BCIT. The TE program also includes an introductory course in computer applications and a learning skills course. The program is supportive to those who require English-language training.
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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Advanced Placement
Conditions
You may be eligible to apply to an advanced level of the program through either re-admission or direct entry. Please note that applications are considered based on:
- Complete applications: you must show proof that you have completed (or are registered in) all requirements to be considered.
- Competitive entry: if the number of applicants exceeds available seats, BCIT will accept those deemed to have the best opportunity for success.
- Seat availability: confirmation may not be available until approximately one week before the term begins.
Re-admission
You can apply for re-admission if you:
- were previously admitted to this program and completed part of it at BCIT and
- want to re-enter the program at an advanced level.
Submit the Course-by-Course Self-Assessment Form [PDF] with your application.
Applications are accepted throughout the year.
Ready to submit your application? Apply now.
Direct entry
If you have a diploma or degree, you may be eligible to apply for direct entry to level 3.
BCIT accepts complete applications starting October 1st (or next business day) for direct entry to level 3 (September start).
Use the Course-by-Course Self-Assessment Form [PDF] to submit proof of the following with your online application:
- English language proficiency: Category 2 – English Studies 12 (67%) or equivalent
- Post-secondary education: one of the following:
- Diploma, associate degree, or bachelor's degree from a recognized institution in:
- geography
- geology
- mathematics
- engineering
- science
- A minimum of two years post-secondary education (60.0 credits with a minimum of 30.0 credits at the 200-level) which includes completion of the following university-transferable courses with a minimum of 60% in each course:
- 100-level English course
- 100-level math (calculus) course (or approved BCIT course)
- 100-level physics course (or approved BCIT course)
- Diploma, associate degree, or bachelor's degree from a recognized institution in:
If you are unsure if your educational background meets the entrance requirement, please contact Program Advising.
The following courses are recommended for completion prior to admission, but are mandatory for graduation from the program. If you have achieved a diploma, associate degree, or bachelor's degree from a recognized Canadian or U.S. institution, these courses may be waived:
Full-time | Course Name | Part-time Equivalent |
COMM 1135 | Technical Communication 1 | COMM 1103 or COMM 1106 (prerequisite: COMM 0015) |
COMM 2252 | Technical Communication 2 | COMM 2202 or COMM 2002 |
Conditional Acceptance
Acceptance will be conditional, pending the completion of three Pre-Entry Surveying Courses (or equivalents):
- GEOM 2110 - Pre-Entry Field Surveying
- GEOM 2120 - Pre-Entry Survey Computations
- GEOM 2130 - Pre-Entry CAD & Geospatial Applications
Ready to submit your application? Apply now.
Direct entry FAQ
When should I apply?
It is recommended that you apply when you have met all of the entrance requirements. If you are currently registered in a course(s), please indicate this on the self-assessment form.
Am I eligible for admission if my education is from a Canadian College outside of BC?
Yes, education from all recognized Canadian post-secondary institutions will be considered.
Am I eligible for admission if my education is from outside of North America?
Yes, applicants with foreign credentials will be considered for direct entry to level 3. Applicants who completed post-secondary studies outside of Canada, United States, United Kingdom, Australia, or New Zealand will require a basic evaluation of their credentials by the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES) if the credential was completed. If no credential was awarded, a comprehensive evaluation is required. Comprehensive reports must include course-by-course evaluations and GPA calculations. Credential evaluation reports from other Canadian services may be considered.
When will I get my timetable?
Print your timetable one day prior to class start by logging into my.bcit.ca and going to Student Self-Service. You must be registered in your courses in order to access this feature.
When can I buy my books?
It is recommended that you wait until the first week of classes before buying textbooks. Your instructors will tell you which books to buy.
How much credit can I apply for?
The maximum transfer credit granted will be 50% of the total credit hours required to earn the certification. Therefore, students must complete at least 50% of the course work through BCIT. If you have been accepted with completion of a diploma, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree, you have already reached 50% and are not entitled to further transfer credit.
To register for a Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) course, visit Register for Flexible Learning courses or contact Student Information and Enrolment Services.
Still have questions? Review the Admissions FAQ or contact Program Advising.
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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 1: $900; Year 2: $350
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 1 (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
---|---|---|---|
COMM 1135 | Technical Communication 1 | 3.0 | |
GEOM 1010 | Field Surveying 1 | 8.0 | |
GEOM 1021 | Surveying Computations 1 | 3.0 | |
GEOM 1030 | Surveying CAD 1 | 3.0 | |
MATH 1513 | Trigonometry and Statistics | 7.0 | |
PHYS 1151 | Physics for Geomatics 1 | 5.0 | |
Level 2 (20 weeks) | Credits | ||
GEOM 2005 | Earth and Ocean Science | 4.0 | |
GEOM 2010 | Field Surveying 2 | 8.0 | |
GEOM 2021 | Surveying Computations 2 | 4.0 | |
GEOM 2031 | Surveying CAD 2 | 5.5 | |
MATH 2511 | Differential and Integral Calculus | 9.5 | |
PHYS 2153 | Physics for Geomatics 2 | 4.0 | |
Level 3 (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
GEOM 3010 | Field Surveying 3 | 6.0 | |
GEOM 3015 | Laser Scanning and Reality Capture Technologies | 4.0 | |
GEOM 3025 | Computer Programming | 3.0 | |
GEOM 3051 | Introduction to Geodesy | 3.0 | |
GEOM 3071 | Introduction to Photogrammetry | 5.0 | |
MATH 3513 | Matrix Methods and ODEs | 6.0 | |
Level 4 (20 weeks) | Credits | ||
COMM 2453 | Technical Communication 2 for Geomatics | 4.0 | |
GEOM 4010 | Field Survey Capstone | 9.5 | |
GEOM 4016 | Remote Sensing & GIS | 4.0 | |
GEOM 4025 | Cadastral Studies and Land Use Planning | 4.0 | |
GEOM 4060 | Engineering Surveying | 4.0 | |
GEOM 4080 | Geodetic Positioning and Map Projections | 5.5 | |
GEOM 4091 | Error Theory and Analysis | 2.5 | |
Total Credits: | 124.5 |
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
The BCIT Geomatics Diploma program is a two-year, full-time day school program. The program is taught by instructors with strong industry and research experience. Upon completion of the first and second academic years, you are awarded a Diploma in Geomatics Engineering Technology.
Program Goals
The program review provided the opportunity to formulate two sets of program goals. These learning objectives align to the TAC Discipline Learning Outcomes for the diploma and to the modernized CBEPS syllabus learning competencies and outcomes expected for the BSc degree. After consultation and validation of the program goals with students, faculty members and the PAC, the self-study team recommended the program adopt the following program goals for both the diploma and the degree (see Recommendation 2 of the self-study report):
On completion of the Geomatics Engineering Technology Diploma, the graduate will be able to:
- Manage the collection, processing, and interpretation of a variety of different geospatial data types.
- Analyze, translate, and present geomatics information from captured field data.
- Design and establish horizontal/vertical survey networks and conduct error analysis and adjustments using proprietary software solutions.
- Research, analyze and appropriately use geomatics data from existing survey plans, reports, and other documents.
- Evaluate and choose appropriate survey equipment and methods to complete geomatics projects.
- Interpret and analyze data to produce digital plans and reports.
- Collaborate in the planning and monitoring of various phases of geomatics work.
- Identify and analyze physical features using remote sensing data.
- Perform engineering surveys for design, construction, and layouts.
- Apply the principles of celestial coordinate systems, time systems and earth properties in the completion of geodetic computations and surveys.
- Employ aerial photos and photogrammetry to produce topographical maps and a wide range of photogrammetric products.
- Efficiently communicate the results of survey projects to colleagues and clients and manage project records and inventories.
Academic years 1 and 2
- Academic Year 1 consists of levels 1 and 2. Academic Year 2 consists of levels 3 and 4.
- Each academic year has two terms. Levels 1 and 3 are 15 weeks long, from September to December. Levels 2 and 4 are 20 weeks long, from January to May, with a one-week Spring Break in mid-March.
- Terms 1 – 3 have six courses and the final Term 4 will have seven courses. A standard course will have a one-hour lecture and two hours of lab each week, with the exception of Field Surveying courses where students will have five to six lab hours each week, and computer courses which may only have lab hours without lecture time.
- Lectures and labs are offered Monday to Friday, from 8:30 to 17:30, except on Wednesdays when classes end at 14:30.
- Direct entry into Academic Year 2 is possible if a potential student can demonstrate sufficient knowledge and background in Geomatics. Students can apply via Advanced Placement as Direct Entry students.
You will learn about the importance of Geomatics to society and its relationship with disciplines such as land surveying, engineering, architecture, construction, oceanography, and space exploration.
You will learn about legal land surveying, earth and ocean science, construction surveying, photogrammetry (measurement using aerial or terrestrial photographs), remote sensing (satellite images), geodetic surveying, and geographic information systems.
You will become familiar with the following equipment to measure, store, manage, retrieve, and present the geographic-based information:
- Total stations
- Levels
- Gyro theodolites
- GNSS (GPS) satellite positioning systems
- Soft-copy stereo plotters
- Laser scanning and LiDAR systems
- Aerial Drones (RPAS)
- Electronic data collectors
- Basic tools such as a compass and maps
You will also learn about the shape of the earth, its gravity field, and how this affects survey measurement and the collection, analysis, and application of geospatial data. There is a strong emphasis on quality control and safety in the program.
Program length
Two years, full-time.
The program runs from September to May each year.
Accreditation
The Geomatics Engineering Technology diploma program is accredited by TAC (Technology Accreditation Canada) and ASTTBC (Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia) as a technologist program. Full-time students may apply for student membership in ASTTBC. Graduates are eligible for graduate technologist membership and may apply for registration as an applied science technologist after completing a minimum of two years of relevant experience.
Program delivery
In person: This program is delivered on campus.
Program location
Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC
Continue your education
Following completion of the two-year diploma program, students can apply to continue for a further two years towards BCIT's Bachelor of Science in Geomatics.
Graduates of the diploma program are granted course credits at the University of Calgary (Geomatics Engineering department), University of New Brunswick, and Oregon Institute of Technology, and also towards examinations set by the Canadian Board of Examiners for Professional Surveyors (CBEPS), leading to registration as a professional land surveyor. The diploma program is recognized by the Washington Land Surveyors as two years credit toward professional certification.
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Graduating & Jobs
Job opportunities
Geomatics Engineering Technology graduates are in high demand. Job opportunities are mostly found with surveying and engineering firms as well as companies involved in oil and gas, mining, and other resource-based industries. Government mapping, planning, and engineering departments and a range of utility companies are also typical employers.
BCIT’s Geomatics diploma is accredited by TAC (Technology Accreditation Canada) and recognized internationally. Employment may be found throughout Canada and around the world.
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- 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
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 CBEPS (The Canadian Board of Examiners for Professional Surveyors) 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 two-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 at 604-451-7001
- Alan Weston, Flexible Learning Coordinator at 604-454-2240
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 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 two-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) for C4
GEOM 5120 Geodetic Positioning 1 (Fall term only) for C6
GEOM 6120 Geodetic Positioning 2 (Winter term only) for C6
GEOM 6140 Special Topics in Adjustments (Winter and Fall terms) for C2
GEOM 7150 Advanced Topics in Precision Survey (Winter and Spring terms) for C3
GEOM 8195 Hydrographic Surveying (Winter term only) for C12
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. 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 at 604-451-7001
- Alan Weston, Flexible Learning Coordinator at 604-454-2240
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: geomatics@bcit.ca
Questions or comments?
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