What do we do?

Geomatics is the acquisition, storage, modelling, analysis and management of geographically referenced data, i.e., data identified according to their location. This includes the process of transforming spatially referenced data from different sources into common information systems with well-defined accuracy characteristics. Being a fairly new term, it is commonly defined as “hunter and gatherer” to include the tools and techniques used in land surveying, remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and related forms of earth mapping. The term geomatics was introduced to Canada in 1988, when the then Canadian Association of Aerial Surveyors expanded its mandate and scope of membership to encompass the various disciplines. The new name adopted for the organization was Geomatics Industry Association of Canada (GIAC) — representing a broader constituency of firms who shared the common characteristic of dealing with geographically referenced information. Geomatics technologies and services are employed in many sectors of the economy. Any activity that has a location, geographical dependency or component can benefit from geomatics. The following are some typical scenarios where geomatics is used to facilitate business operations or improve decision-making: Scenario 1: A fast-food restaurant chain is planning an expansion into a new city and wants to determine the optimum locations. How geomatics plays a role: Using geomatics, the company combines digital mapping, land use zoning, property registration, traffic flow information and demographic information to locate and rank the most suitable properties for the new outlets. Scenario 2: Emergency response officials are facing record spring runoff and unusually heavy rainfall, producing the threat of flood conditions not seen for over 100 years. How geomatics plays a role: Geomatics assists emergency response officials in assessing the impact of rainfall forecasts on water levels, planning the evacuation of threatened homeowners by identifying which transportation routes are likely to be cut off by the impending flood. Scenario 3: Municipal administrators are dealing with budget cuts to their winter road maintenance programs. How geomatics plays a role: Geomatics help them optimize the routing of snowplow and salt application vehicles in order to reduce equipment and operator requirements. They also help in forecasting and planning maintenance needs. Scenario 4: A forestry production manager is responsible for timber harvesting and reforestation programs for a new tract of land, which is under the forestry agreement with the provincial government. How geomatics plays a role: Using geomatics, the manager models the visual impacts of harvesting alternatives from different vantage points in the surrounding region; identifies the optimum locations for transportation routes; monitors harvesting and plans reforestation operations. Scenario 5: A grain farmer is concerned about rising operational costs and the potential negative environmental impacts of pesticide and herbicide applications. How geomatics plays a role: Using modern “precision farming” approaches based on geomatics technologies, he monitors soil moisture and crop health conditions, institutes variable rate applications of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers and forecasts crop yields.