About

Geomatics integrates data, software, and technology with the theory and practice of Geography. Geomatics is used by a wide range of practitioners, including land surveyors, planners, wildlife managers, demographers, and geophysicists. This certificate is designed to provide students from a range of disciplines and backgrounds an understanding of geomatics theory, tools, and techniques, as well as the associated software and hardware.


Quick facts
  • Two-year certificate
  • Full or part-time program
  • You can enter this program directly from high school
  • You can begin this program off-campus
  • Program can be completed concurrently alongside other degree programs

What you will learn

The primary topics covered in courses in this certificate program are geographical information systems, remote sensing and spatial data analysis.

While earning the Certificate in Geomatics, you will develop a strong and structured understanding of modern technologies and techniques employed in spatial data acquisition and analysis. You will build a skill set in quantitative analysis through examination of spatial datasets covering a range of disciplines. 

This program includes a capstone course in cartography and communication that will provide you with the background to convey your work in a professional manner to a wide range of audiences.

GEOG 222.3: Introduction to Geomatics

Introduction to the skills for reading maps, air photos and satellite images is provided, along with an introduction to computer-based cartography, image analysis and enhancement, and Geographic Information Systems.

GEOG 302.3: Quantitative Methods in Geography

This course is designed to introduce statistical techniques and spatial analysis methods to students in both physical and human geography. In particular, the course is focused on the statistical techniques and spatial analyses used to process and analyze geographical data, and how to report and interpret the results. Students will gain experience with several statistical and spatial statistical analytical tools that have been developed specifically for statistical and spatial data analysis.

GEOG 323.3: Remote Sensing

Advanced lectures, seminars and laboratories for those specializing in resource and environmental studies. It includes inductive and deductive evaluation of air photo patterns and the interpretation of multi-spectral imagery and remote sensing imagery.


The Course and Program Catalogue has the complete and official listing of required classes and their descriptions for this program.

Spatial (or geographical) data is all around us. We are collecting it at an ever-growing speed through rapid growth of Earth or extraterrestrial observing satellites, ground surveys, and any other research that identifies location as an important variable. The ability to effectively manage, analyze, and display this data is critical to the responsible use of these data.

Students that complete the certificate will build the skills necessary to acquire, manage, analyze and display spatial data using industry-leading techniques and approaches.

In the Department of Geography and Planning at USask, students like you have the opportunity to ask and investigate these questions and many more through our undergraduate programs in environment and society, hydrology, regional and urban planning, urban design, and graduate programs (MA, MSc, and PhD) in geography. Teaching and learning in these programs incorporates both in-class and fieldwork instruction with a strong emphasis on the tools and techniques that geographers and planners use.

Careers

  • Conservationist
  • Forester
  • Health geographer
  • Land surveyor
  • Urban planner
  • Pilot
  • GIS technician
  • Climate scientist
  • Demographer
  • Geophysicist

Tuition estimates

Canadian students International students
Tuition $792 per 3 credit unit class $3,834 per 3 credit unit class
Student fees $1,121 per year $1,121 per year

Tuition will vary depending on the type and number of classes you take in a year. This estimate reflects a typical amount you could expect to pay per class (2024-2025 Canadian dollar rates).
Student fees are used to fund specific student benefits, including health, vision and dental coverage, a bus pass, recreational programs and fitness centre access. This estimate reflects the price you would pay if you are a full-time student.
The cost of books and supplies varies widely depending on the courses you choose. It is recommended that you budget between $1,500-$2,500 for this program.

Program options

Students hanging out in the Bowl in front of the Peter MacKinnon Building

The Certificate in Geomatics is offered by the University of Saskatchewan's College of Arts and Science. You may earn the certificate on its own, concurrently with a degree program from this college or others, or after having already received a degree.

If you are already enrolled at USask, consult your academic advisor regarding enrolling in this program.

The Course and Program Catalogue has the complete and official listing of required classes and their descriptions for this program.

Admission requirements and deadlines

Deadlines

Start term Application DeadlineInternational Deadline
Winter
January 2025
Dec 1, 2024
Documents due: Dec 15, 2024
Sep 1, 2024
Documents due: Oct 1, 2024
Spring
May 2025
Apr 1, 2025
Documents due: May 1, 2025
Feb 1, 2025
Documents due: Mar 1, 2025
Summer
July 2025
May 1, 2025
Documents due: Jun 1, 2025
Mar 1, 2025
Documents due: Apr 1, 2025
Fall
September 2025
Aug 15, 2025
Documents due: Aug 15, 2025
May 1, 2025
Documents due: Jun 1, 2025
Winter
January 2026
Dec 1, 2025
Documents due: Dec 15, 2025
Sep 1, 2025
Documents due: Oct 1, 2025

Ready to apply?

If you are a current USask student, consult your academic advisor about enrolling in this program.

To apply to this program as a new student, create an admissions account and apply for admission to any undergraduate program in the College of Arts and Science. When you are ready to submit your application, you will be assessed a non-refundable application fee of $90 CAD. (Effective December 2, the application fee is increasing to $120 CAD.) After you are admitted, declare your plans to the college.

Explore related programs

If you are looking for graduate level (Master or Ph.D.) programs please consult our graduate students' website.

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