Geomatics

Geomatics Definition

Geomatics refers to the methods and technologies used to collect, distribute, store, analyze, process, and present geographic data. Geomatics encompasses the fields of geodesy, geographic information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS), hydrography, mapping, photogrammetry, remote sensing, and surveying.
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FAQs

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What is Geomatics?

Geomatics is an applied science concerned with the collection, integration, management, and analysis of geospatial information. Geomatics engineering professionals use a wide range of technologies, such as acoustic, laser, satellite, and information technologies, for applications related to geography, information systems, law and commerce, land development and planning, and land surveying. Geomatics Engineering incorporates aspects of Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, and Civil Engineering.

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Geomatic Technologies

The main focus of geomatics is the technologies, products, and services involved in the gathering, analysis, and management of spatial data. Geomatics equipment and methodologies typically integrate the following sciences and technologies:
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  • geodesy and geomatics: Geodesy is an essential component of geomatics. It is the science of mathematically determining the size and shape of the earth and the nature of the earth's gravity field.
  • surveying and geomatics: Professional land surveyors use satellite, sonar, 3D scanning, software, and drone technology to measure, map, and establish official boundaries in land, waterways, and airspace. 
  • lidar geomatics: lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure variable distances to the Earth to create precise, 3D information about characteristics and the shape of the Earth.
  • remote sensing: Remote sensing is the science of acquiring information about an object or phenomenon by measuring emitted and reflected radiation. There are two primary types of remote sensing instruments -- active and passive.
  • location-based services: Location-based services (LBS) refers to services that are based on the location of a mobile user as determined by the device’s geographical location. LBS applications provide services and information that are most relevant to the user at that location.
  • Geographic Information Sytems: Geographic Information Systems, or GIS, are computer and software tools for gathering and analyzing data connected to geographic locations and their relation to human or natural activity on Earth.

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Other areas of knowledge include: geodynamics, geomatic maps, GPS, hydrography, cartography, spatial database management, spatial analysis, spatial data mining and knowledge discovery, spatial statistics, computer-aided design (CAD) and scientific visualization, geovisualization, geovisual analytics, visual communication design, graphic design and multimedia technology, image processing, photogrammetry, Land Information Systems (LIS), cadastre, real property law, geoinformatics, and digital terrain modelling.

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Geomatic Applications

Geomatic solutions are used in wide variety of practical applications, including: 

  • Aeromagnetic surveys
  • Airborne geophysics
  • Air navigation services
  • Archaeological excavation and survey for GIS applications
  • Climate Change/Environmental Monitoring
  • Coastal zone management and mapping
  • Disaster informatics for disaster risk reduction and response
  • Estimation of crop yields
  • Infrastructure management
  • Land management and reform
  • Land-cover classification and mapping
  • Meteorology
  • Natural resource monitoring and development
  • Oceanography
  • Parks
  • Seismic Interpretation
  • Statistical area sample frame construction for surveys
  • Subdivision planning
  • Urban land use monitoring

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Does HEAVY.AI Offer a Geomatics Solution?

HEAVY.AI makes geospatial capabilities a top priority of our accelerated analytics platform. This keeps the geospatial-specific processes in geomatics technologies from slowing down with today’s increased data volumes. HEAVY.AI lets geospatial analysts interactively explore up to millions of polygons and billions of mapped points. Business analysts can also easily incorporate spatio-temporal analysis in their regular big data analytics workflows. Learn more about HEAVY.AI’s geospatial data platform.