INSTITUTIONS OFFERING GEOMATICS ENGINEERING LISTED AT THE BOTTOM
WHAT IS GEOMATICS AND WHO IS A GEOMATIC ENGINEER?
If asked to define what geomatics or geoinformatics is, we could say it is a program that studies the methods and technologies that are used to collect, distribute, store, analyse, process and present geographic data. It can also be defined as the science and technology of gathering, analysing, interpreting and distributing spatial information. This program includes geodesy (measuring the shape, position in space and gravity of the earth and the changes of these with time), geographic information systems, global positioning systems, hydrography (making charts of water bodies such as lakes and rivers), mapping, photogrammetry (making measurements of the earth using photographs) and surveying. From this it is clear that this program teaches how to survey the whole or part of the earth using a number of techniques such as satellites, drones etc.
This program is of great importance because it allows us to have information about the earth and its natural resources such as rivers, lakes, minerals etc. This information is then used to make very important decisions such as whether a mine should be started in a particular area. We can therefore say that a geomatics engineer is a person who has the knowledge and skills to collect, analyse and interpret geographical information. This geographical information includes information like the landscape, streams, rivers, different kinds of vegetation and soil and man-made things such as factories and electric power lines.
WHERE DO GEOMATIC ENGINEERS WORK?
Geomatics engineers are employed in different places and sectors of the country. They are employed by the city council for a wide range of works which include helping with measuring boundaries and placing beacons for these boundaries. They are also employed by the ministry of lands for the same reasons as for the city council but here they are involved with a particular district, province or the whole country. They are also employed by water and sewerage companies for the purpose of hydrography which we defined as making charts of water bodies. Mines make use of their skills to help in the mining processes as they work with other types of engineers. Power companies such as ZESCO and network service providers e.g. Zamtel and MTN also employ these engineers.
WHAT TASKS ARE INVOLVED IN THE WORK?
The tasks the geomatics engineers will do is dependent on where they are working from. In the mines they provide accurate information to all other engineers about the how much area and volume of land has been mined and they also make precise maps of the surface and underground to show the situation and the progress of the mining plans. In the water and sewerage companies they help to locate and map the water bodies and how these can be accessed so that they can be used to provide water to people of a particular town. In the city councils and ministry of lands they may provide information about the land by making maps of different types. Some of these maps for example can be about the vegetation to show the effects of deforestation.
WHAT IS THE WORK SCHEDULE OF A GEOMATICS ENGINEER?
The work schedule for these geomatics engineers differs depending on where one works. But it should be known that a part of these engineers decide to work mostly on computers while the others work outdoors. Those that work in the offices work in the usual office hours that span from 8 to 17 hours, mostly Monday to Friday. Those that go outdoors to survey have no definite schedule. In those times, for example, when a new mine has to be made, they can be gone for some weeks to map the area before any mining works start.
WHAT DOES THE JOB MARKET LOOK LIKE?
The field of geomatics is relatively new in the country and some of the technology that is used in the field is quite new and only being introduced for use in our country. Many companies especially those that reach out to the whole country would like to map out their services. Mining being a major contributor of our economy allows most of these engineers to be employed in the mining industry. The job market is fair and it is increasing because technology like GPS are being used a lot as the world and the country also develops.
WHAT SORT OF CAREER-PERSONALITY MATCH IS REQUIRED?
The personality that goes well with this program is an outgoing and outdoors person. This is because the job is mostly about surveying the land. Although, even an indoors computer person can enjoy the work because some of these engineers work with computers that have been fed with information from satellites or drones. You need to have an interest in Mathematics, physics, chemistry and geography in order to enjoy studying this program.
INSTITUTIONS OFFERING GEOMATICS ENGINEERING LISTED AT THE BOTTOM
WHAT SUBJECTS WILL THE PROGRAM COVER?
Courses taught in this program include: engineering mathematics, engineering materials, statics, principles of surveying, engineering workshop practice, principles of remote sensing, computer programming for engineering, land management, engineering surveying, quantity surveying and estimation, photogrammetry, land administration and cadastre systems, principles of data acquisition and processing, geodesy, spatial modelling and analysis, digital image processing, geographical information infrastructure, mine surveying, error analysis and network adjustment, international boundaries, project management and more.
WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?
Minimum entry requirements are 5 O’ level credits (grade 6) or better inclusive of Mathematics, English and Science. You need to have at least 12 points in your best 6 subjects at grade 12 in order to stand a good chance of being selected.
WHAT ARE THE FUTURE ADVANCED QUALIFICATIONS AVAILABLE AND WHY?
To advance your qualifications, you can study for a master’s in geoinformation, geodesy, mining surveying or other related fields. A master’s and other higher qualifications allows you to specialise in one particular field and increases your chances of getting a job especially in large companies. These opportunities are greater because, for example, the mines would rather employ a geomatics engineer with a master’s that concentrated on mining surveying than employ one with just a degree and therefore only a limited amount of knowledge in mining surveying. The other reason is that the masters allows the person to work for a university in the capacity of a lecturer in geomatics/geoinformatics.
INSTITUTIONS THAT OFFER GEOMATICS ENGINEERING
COPPERBELT UNIVERSITY
Duration: 5 years (Degree in Geomatics Engineering) / 3 years (Diploma in Geomatics Engineering)
Mode: Full time
Admitting school: School of Mines and Mineral Sciences
Intakes: November
Location: Kitwe
Contacts
Tel: +260 212 290873
Website: www.cbu.ac.zm/fees
UNIVERSITY OF ZAMBIA
Duration: 5 years (Degree in Geomatics Engineering)
Mode: Full time
Admitting school: School of Natural Sciences
Intakes: January
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +26 021 129 2792
Email: dean-eng@unza.zm
Website: www.unza.zm/academics/undergraduate/bachelor-of-engineering-geomatic-engineering
ZAMBIA FORESTRY COLLEGE
Programme duration: 3 years (Diploma in Geoinformatics)
Mode of study: Full-time and Distance
Admitting school: School of Forestry and Environmental Education
Intakes: January (Full-time) and April (Distance)
Location: Kitwe
Contacts
Tel: +260 964 834475 WhatsApp: +260 971 959154
E-mail: zfcadmissions@gmail.com
Facebook: Zambia Forestry College