Job description Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Technician in Canada
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Find out what work is like for a geographic information systems (GIS) technician in Canada. This work description is applicable to all Technical occupations in geomatics and meteorology (NOC 22214).

Technical occupations in geomatics and meteorology

Description

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.

Job duties

Here are some of the main activities and tasks that Technical occupations in geomatics and meteorology have to perform, and some of the physical demands they involve:

  • Aerial survey and remote sensing technologists and technicians
  • 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.
  • Geographic information systems (GIS) technologists and technicians
  • 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.
  • Cartographic technologists and technicians
  • 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.
  • 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 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.
  • Meteorological technologists and technicians
  • 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.

Physical demands

Physical demands are the physical activities that the job requires the worker to do. Physical demands are selected according to the likeliness that workers will have to perform them for at least half of the time they spend at work.

Work environment

The work environment refers to the physical setting in which people work. The characteristics and conditions of the work environment are selected according to the likeliness that workers will be exposed to them at least once a week.

Physical proximity from others

Physical proximity from others refers to the physical distance between individuals in the workplace. The likeliness that the job requires to perform tasks while being physically close to other people is rated on a scale with 3 levels: "Somewhat close", "Close" and "Very close".

Related job titles

Here are some other related job titles that are found in the same occupational category (NOC 22214), and a list of similar occupations:

  • aerial survey technician
  • aerological technician
  • avalanche controller
  • avalanche technician
  • cartographer
  • climate data processor
  • climate service technician
  • geographic information systems (GIS) technician
  • ice observer
  • map editor
  • mapping technician
  • meteorological inspector
  • meteorological technician
  • photogrammetric technologist
  • photogrammetrist
  • remote sensing (RS) technician
  • softcopy photogrammetrist
  • surface weather observer
  • weather station operations technician

Similar occupations Help - Similar occupations

Similar occupations

This section lists other occupations that are part of the same broad occupational category as Technical occupations in geomatics and meteorology in the National Occupational Classification (NOC). These occupations involve similar core qualifications but involve different responsibilities. To see more similar occupations, use the Job Transition Tool.

Sources Occupational and Skills Information System & National Occupational Classification

Labour Market Information Survey
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