About Geomatics Engineering
Traditional roles
Graduates of a geomatics engineering program have traditionally been employable in a diverse range of careers. They work in surveying, mapping, positioning and navigation for the building sector, defense, mining, oil and gas, remote sensing, software development, computer graphics, public utilities and government.
Today's emerging roles
Geomatics engineers help us navigate the challenges and opportunities of our increasingly interconnected world, where billions of small sensors and web connections are embedded in everyday objects. This "Internet of Things" includes unmanned aerial vehicles, autonomous robots, and technologies for 3D imaging, remote sensing, satellite navigation, big data management and beyond.
Department timeline
June 15, 1979
The Surveying Engineering program is approved as part of the Department of Civil Engineering
July 1, 1979
Dr. Ed Krakiwsky, PhD, accepts a position as chairman of the Division of Surveying Engineering
May 30, 1981
Our first eight surveying engineering students receive their BSc degrees
Jan. 1, 1982
The surveying engineering program is accredited by the Canadian Council of Professional Engineers
Nov. 15, 1982
Our first surveying engineering MSc graduate – Richard Wong – receives his degree
July 1, 1983
Dr. Klaus-Peter Schwarz, PhD, becomes the acting division chair
Sept. 29, 1983
The Faculty of Engineering’s Faculty Executive Council recommends the surveying engineering division become a department
July 1, 1984
Dr. Krakiwsky resumes his position as division chair
Nov. 20, 1986
The Department of Surveying Engineering is officially established after status is granted by Alberta’s Ministry of Advanced Education
Nov. 20, 1986
Dr. Krakiwsky becomes the department head for the newly established department
July 1, 1989
Dr. Gérard Lachapelle, PhD, steps in as acting department head during Dr. Krakiwsky’s sabbatical
Jan. 1, 1990
Dr. Schwarz is appointed as department head
June 11, 1992
The Department of Surveying Engineering is re-named the Department of Geomatics Engineering
July 1, 1995
Dr. Lachapelle is appointed as our third department head
July 1, 2003
Dr. Naser El-Sheimy, PhD, becomes our acting department head
July 1, 2004
Dr. Elizabeth Cannon, PhD, is appointed as our fourth department head
July 1, 2006
Dr. Susan Skone, PhD, becomes our interim department head
Jan. 1, 2007
Dr. El-Sheimy is appointed as our fifth department head
July 1, 2009
Dr. Ayman Habib, PhD, is appointed as our sixth department head
July 1, 2013
Dr. Derek Lichti, PhD, is appointed as our seventh department head
July 1, 2018
Dr. Emmanuel Stefanakis, PhD, becomes our eighth department head
Sept. 1, 2023
Dr. Emmanuel Stefanakis, PhD, is renewed as our department head