| What is Geodesy and Geomatics? |
Testimonials | FAQ | Admission Requirements |
Careers |
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Testimonials from Students
Past and Present
Michel Leger
 | “Studying Geodesy and Geomatics at the University of New Brunswick has been a positive and rewarding experience that's filled with opportunities.” |
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Studying Geodesy and Geomatics at the University of New Brunswick has been a very fulfilling experience. I began my undergrad in the Bachelor of Geomatics programme in the fall of 2014 right after High School. After two years I decided to switch over to the Geomatics Engineering Degree programme. Starting in the Bachelor of Geomatics program I was able to "dip my feet into Geomatics" and grasp an understanding of what Geomatics is and gage if Geomatics is right for me. The Interactions with individuals, and the experiences with the Geomatics Engineering Department at UNB impacted my decision to complete my undergrad with the engineering option.
Geomatics at UNB offers both hands on practical experience, and theoretical understanding. The lessons and training taught here at UNB are transferable to a job or a career environment and with Geomatics jobs everywhere there is countless opportunities available for summer and CO-OP employment. Many students including myself have been able to have job experiences after their first year, and I encourage everyone to apply. There is increasing amount of opportunities within the GGE department that have allowed me to work directly with the Faculty and Staff on various Geomatics projects that have intrigued my interest and have challenged me in a positive way.
I started in this programme thinking that Geomatics was tied only to the land surveying profession but my experiences have taught me that there are limitless other interesting opportunities available within the Geomatics profession.
Applying to this degree has been a continuously rewarding decision, and encourage others to do the same.
Caleb D'Entremont
 | “… I am astounded as to how much I have learned …” |
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Hello potential GGE students. My name is Caleb d'Entremont, and I am in the final semester of the Bachelor of Geomatics program offered through the Geodesy and Geomatics Engineering department here at UNB. I came to UNB to obtain my Certificate of Academic Completion from CBEPS (Canadian Board of Examiners for Professional Surveyors). I had previously completed a surveying diploma course (at the Centre of Geographical Sciences in Lawrencetown, NS) and worked in industry for almost five years.
The main reason I chose this program was that it is one of only two fully CBEPS-accredited degrees in the country. Upon arrival I realized why. The level of knowledge within the department is staggering. I thought I had a pretty good idea of how the theories/technologies within the industry worked before I started studying here. Now, quite frankly, I am astounded as to how much I have learned. Everything from the algorithms used in Google Maps, to just exactly how that GPS receiver gets you a centimetre-level fix. Being able to learn from some of the individuals who have helped advance and shape the industry has been both humbling and uplifting.
Completing this degree has been a very rewarding experience both professionally and personally. The staff and fellow students are second to none, and it really does feel like one big family. The bonds of friendship are forged in the fires of a heavy workload and quenched by working toward a common goal. If you are serious about surveying (or are looking for a career with endless potential), I HIGHLY recommend you take this degree. You WILL be better off because of it.
Elyse Robinson
 | “… The atmosphere is incredible, the campus is beautiful and you'll meet people from all over the world …” |
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After attending a technical college and receiving a diploma in geomatics engineering technology, I decided to continue my studies to receive a geomatics engineering degree. Through the college I attended, I was made aware of the Geodesy and Geomatics Engineering (GGE) program at the University of New Brunswick. I did some research and I found out, through the department, that the engineering degree had the option (Cadastral Surveying Option) of fulfilling all the requirements for CBEPS (Canadian Board of Examiners for Professional Surveyors) in order to start training to become a professional land surveyor. This option was perfect for me as the goal I set for myself was to become a land surveyor.
I started the program in September of 2013 and haven't looked back. I was nervous in the beginning about moving to a new province but the people in the program were welcoming and almost instantly I felt a part of the department. A lot of the material taught in college would be reiterated and elaborated on here in GGE so I felt like I wasn't being thrown into "the deep end" when I started. I have come to love this program and the people, some of whom will be my friends for life. Outside of studying and doing academic work, there are a lot of activities that are put on by the GGE student society like curling night, trivia night(s) and pub tour(s). These events bring everyone in the program closer and make the semesters go by faster.
The University of New Brunswick's atmosphere is incredible, the campus is beautiful and you'll meet people from all over the world. I will definitely miss this place when I graduate but I know that the education I received here is world class and will take me as far as I want to go.
Garrett Keirstead
 | “… I have been taught by highly respected and internationally renowned professors …” |
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After graduating from Belleisle Regional High School in 2011, I headed straight for UNB Saint John for a science degree. A year later, I saw the light and switched to engineering. My life got even brighter another year later when I moved to the Fredericton campus and the home of Geodesy and Geomatics Engineering. There I have been exposed to an environment and an education, which have been life changing and which I will truly miss after graduation in May 2016.
The education I have received in this department is, in my opinion, second to none. Every day I have been taught by highly respected and internationally renowned professors. They have exposed me to cutting edge technology and the generations of research and technology behind it all. The textbooks we use and papers we read are written by current and former professors, many of whom still grace our halls.
More fantastic than the qualifications of the professors is the personalities of the many individuals. The many long days and late nights I have spent have been made far easier by the people I have been surrounded by. Many of the professors have open door policies. The administrative staff are angels. Graduate students are helpful and friendly. Undergraduates are a family. We have a tight knit community of a diverse group of people working toward common goals.
This department is full of opportunity. With companies arriving to interview potential employees, co-op and international study opportunities, and a host of activities planned by the undergraduate society, Geodesy and Geomatics Engineering has it all. Unparalleled company, a top notch education, and a plethora of opportunities has made my time in GGE a treasured and valuable part of my life, and they could easily do the same for you!
Tyson Lyons
 | “Since I am such an outdoors oriented person, GGE appealed to me in that way …” |
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I'm a second year GGE student from just outside Fredericton. I came into university not knowing which engineering discipline I was going to do. I was enrolled in ENGG 1 and I went through first year with the decision riding on my shoulder. Our choice had to be made by the end of the fall term, and I thought back to a presentation on Geodesy and Geomatics that I had received in high school from a now graduated UNB Geomatics student. The program peaked my interest then because of all the pictures I saw of the work environment and the people that were met (I especially enjoyed that ATV's were a part of the job). I thought, "I hope my future career is as interesting as this". Since I am such an outdoors oriented person, GGE appealed to me in that way as well. I don't mind working in an office for short periods at a time, but what I am really interested in is being out in the wilderness. With Geomatics I can do just that, and get paid while doing what I love! This presentation was one weighed in on my choice to switch into GGE. Also, while I was in ENGG I got to hear from the profs from GGE in the ENGG1001 class that allowed me to explore further. If you aren't sure what you want to do don't be worried! I hadn't had a clue which discipline I was going to choose, but I do now. I am certainly not even close to knowing all there is to know about Geodesy and Geomatics, but I can't wait to learn more as I am fortunate enough to be in this great program here in my community.
Eric Root
 | “… the best part of being in the Geomatics Engineering program is the people …” |
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UNB's Geodesy and Geomatics Engineering department is more than an engineering department: it is a community. When first walking through the department with fellow first year students it seemed like the walls were decorated with pictures and items from a National Geographic magazine. Over the course of my time in the department, I have come to realize that every individual here is on their own wild ride on the roller coaster of life. There are students from all over coming straight out of high school, some with other degrees, and others join the program with years of work experience. I am glad that I joined. The people I have met and the experiences I have had while being a member of this community have positively impacted the course of my personal and professional development.
The Geomatics Engineering program consistently offers its graduates the opportunity to have careers that are both outdoors and in. It is rare to find such an opportunity. I could hardly believe it: I could go to university, obtain an engineering degree, and at the same time pursue my dream of being an adventurer with hands-on skills. In order to make this dream a reality, I, with the help of the department, made it happen.
Throughout my studies at UNB I have travelled to western Canada, the southern United States, and Hong Kong. I took the opportunity to work in both the mountainous regions of British Columbia and the deep-water regions of the Gulf of Mexico. In addition, I was the first Geomatics Engineering student that represented UNB as an exchange student at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) in Hong Kong. Both UNB and PolyU's geomatics programs rank in the top four in the world. These experiences not only benefit myself but also allow me to provide insight and opportunities for other students in the faculty.
It's great to explore and experience, but the best part of being in the Geomatics Engineering program is the people here. From the student-run undergraduate society to the final-year students teaching first years the basics, the support within the community is immaculate. Coming from a small town in Ontario, I knew nobody when I arrived. Over the course of this degree program, I have helped out, felt supported, and developed relationships that will last a lifetime.
Tyler Allison
 | “… I know I have chosen the right path.” |
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I started out at UNB in 2009 as a Civil Engineering student. At the time, I did not know what engineering really was and had heard little about Geodesy and Geomatics. After two years at UNB, I decided to switch from Civil Engineering to Geodesy and Geomatics Engineering. At this time, I had taken only one GGE introduction course. I switched programs because GGE seemed to be the most interesting engineering discipline to me. The students I met in the program were great and the professors were very encouraging and helpful.
After nearly three full years of my program completed, I know I have chosen the right path. There are numerous career opportunities in the field of Geomatics on every continent in the world. I have also been involved with the Geomatics Undergraduate Engineering Student Society (GUESS) and am currently the president for the 2013 academic year. I do not think there are any other engineering disciplines that have the fun and educational atmosphere that the GGE department has!
Aaron Farkas
 | “… an exciting and adventurous career that I honestly enjoy every day.” |
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I completed my geomatics engineering degree at UNB in December 2012 and have continued my education through a Master's program with the Marine Geophysics Department at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Coming from Fredericton, I wanted to attend UNB because it was close to home, but I also wanted to get involved in ocean mapping and Earth Sciences. Further researching the programs offered at UNB, I discovered geomatics engineering and have benefited greatly from this degree. Completing an engineering degree, in general, was intense, stressful and frustrating. However, the reward of knowing I stuck through it all is one of the most satisfying feelings I've ever had.
Throughout my bachelor degree, I've had opportunities to work on American research vessels doing geophysical surveys on offshore Alaska and the Pacific Northwest and most recently was invited to be part of a German Navy cruise performing operations on underwater mine detection.
As a graduate student at Dalhousie, I am currently generating numerical models of the Earth's crust while pursuing my P.Eng. with the Canadian Hydrographic Service as a Survey Engineer-in-Training. The Geomatics program at UNB has not only provided me with a well-paying career, but an exciting and adventurous career that I honestly enjoy every day. I am proud to be a GGE graduate and I know I have a very successful and exciting career ahead of me!
Lukas Fraser
 | “… I am now certain that geodesy and geomatics engineering was the right choice for me.” |
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My name is Lukas Fraser and I am a second year student studying Geodesy and Geomatics Engineering (GGE) at UNB. I've known that I wanted to be an engineer for quite a while, but the job security and outdoor work is what drew me to GGE specifically. I jumped at the chance to have fun running around in the woods and using ATVs, while getting paid to do interesting work. Last summer, after only one year of school, I had the opportunity to work in British Columbia for the summer as a survey assistant. It was very interesting and a great learning experience for me. I got the chance to spend my summer outside while getting practical experience in my field and earning enough money to pay for school the following year. After one summer, I am now certain that geodesy and geomatics engineering was the right choice for me. Over this year I have taken a specific interest in land administration, especially helping developing countries establish registry offices and create standardized maps. With that being said, I certainly haven't made up my mind for sure, but with GGE the options are endless. All I know is that wherever I end up, whatever I'm doing, it will be great!
David Januszkiewicz
 | “… I am now certain that geodesy and geomatics engineering was the right choice for me.” |
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While I was attending high school at Oromocto High, I became interested in geomatics engineering from information sessions about the program and after taking the introductory course in my first year of engineering at UNB. Between the time I started my degree until my graduation in May 2013, I have thoroughly enjoyed many aspects of the program including, the job prospects upon graduation and during the summers, the small class sizes, the communication between students and professors and how interesting the courses and industry are. Besides the actual school work, the department has a very active undergraduate student society that organizes numerous social events throughout the year. Between these events and the small class sizes, it has been very easy to development lifelong friendships with fellow students and faculty members.
Throughout the summer months, I have had several employment opportunities all over Canada, including summer work terms in British Columbia and Alberta. With the high employment rate for summer students and careers upon graduation in the geomatics industry, I have been able to finish my degree with almost zero debt. An education at UNB in geomatics engineering has proved to be an excellent life choice and I know I will never regret it.
Brad MacDonald
 | “The Geodesy and Geomatics Engineering program has been an excellent decision…” |
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I am currently a fourth year student at UNB enrolled in the Geodesy and Geomatics Engineering program. The education and work experience I have obtained has enabled me to travel around the world working on a variety of different offshore engineering projects. This education has enabled me to work as an offshore surveyor involved with projects that range from the building of offshore wind farms in Europe to working as a hydrographic surveyor in Alaska. After graduation, I plan to continue working in the offshore surveying industry where work will take me around the world working on a wide range of offshore engineering projects. The Geodesy and Geomatics Engineering program has been an excellent decision that will provide me with a great career in the worldwide geomatics engineering industry.
Mohammed Mouallem
 | “… what are you waiting for?” |
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On my first day in the Geodesy and Geomatics Engineering Department, I was greeted by GGE secretary Kim Delorey. She took me on a tour of Head Hall and introduced me to some of my fellow GGE students. I cannot emphasize how glad I am that she took the time to do this and I would soon realize that these people would become some of my best friends. The beauty of being in such a small department was not initially apparent to me, but with time I came to realize that the bonds I developed with all my fellow students were as great as they were because of it. The amount of time we spent working together, pulling all-nighters together, and socializing together made us the best of friends. Even after completing my degree in December of 2012, I'm roommates and best friends in Alberta with one of the guys who was by my side all those years of studying and socializing.
After graduation I moved to Edmonton and started working with Altus Geomatics. So far, it has been a great experience. The types of projects we have been working on have been amazing. Some of the experiences have included flying helicopters into some of the most remote locations in Alberta, to surveying on the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range where we have been privileged enough to watch fighter jets drop bombs in practice routines and fly at supersonic speeds. It has only been a few months since graduation for me, and so I'm sure there are much more amazing experiences to come. To anyone interested in joining the GGE program, my only question for you is, what are you waiting for?
Tracey Peet
 | “… I know I have a bright future working in the geomatics industry.” |
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I enrolled in geomatics engineering at UNB after finishing a 2 year engineering technology diploma at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) in Vancouver. The transition from a technical institute to a university was challenging, but extremely rewarding. The abundance of school activities alone was reason enough to enjoy the UNB and engineering atmosphere. After spending two years on the Geomatics Undergraduate Engineering Student Society (GUESS) committee as events coordinator and president, I was able to get involved by organizing events and activities for fellow GGE classmates, something I was never able to participate in at my previous educational facilities.
Currently, I am working as a Land Surveyor in Training (LST) and an Engineer in Training (EIT) at McElhanney Consulting Services Ltd in my home town of Prince George, BC. I carry out a wide variety of work, from property boundary surveys to high precision monitoring surveys and major infrastructure construction. My education at UNB has enabled me to complete large and small scale projects with expertise and confidence and because of this, I know I have a bright future working in the geomatics industry.
Bradley Poirier
 | “… I am confident I will have a very successful, adventurous and interesting career…” |
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Upon graduating from Moncton High School in June of 2008, I moved to Fredericton to start my geomatics engineering degree the following September. At first, I really was not sure which discipline of engineering I wanted to purse and eventually decided to fully commit to one after my first year. My decision to stay in geomatics was reinforced by several facts, including the high employment rate, the small class sizes, the world renowned research occurring within the department and the emerging technologies. Being a recent graduate from the geomatics engineering program and thinking back to my first semester, I do not regret my decision for a second to purse a geomatics engineering degree. A degree in geomatics engineering has proven to be extremely rewarding to both my career and personal life, due to the fact there are several career opportunities all over the world and that I have met numerous people and classmates that will be lifelong friends.
Throughout my degree, I have had the opportunity to work in Alberta and British Columbia throughout the summer months and I also had the opportunity to spend three months in Malawi (Africa) though a geomatics related internship program. Throughout my degree, not only was I able to gain valuable industry related work experience, but I was also able to gain valuable international travel and international development experience. Geomatics engineering involves a variety of applications, and career opportunities over the entire world. After completing my degree, I am confident I will have a very successful, adventurous and interesting career that will allow me to travel and see the entire world.
Melissa Rousselle
 | “… this is the right path for you.” |
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Choosing Geomatics engineering at UNB has linked me to life changing opportunities. Throughout the year, the Geomatics Engineering Department welcomes companies who are looking to hire GGE students. Having so many opportunities available, I was eager to experience the working world. I found myself getting multiple summer employment offers, with awesome wages and benefits (even in my first year with no experience!). With the engineering co-op program, I had an amazing yearlong internship with a leading mobile mapping company. I had the chance to work with customers like NASA, Apple and Microsoft on projects such as rapid response mapping for hurricanes, Google Street View and autonomous vehicles. If you are looking to be part of an exciting, innovative and challenging industry, this is the right path for you.
Michael Sheng
 | “I would not hesitate to come and study GGE at UNB again…” |
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Throughout high school I planned on going to university in order to study astrophysics, as gravity really interested me and I wanted a career as a researcher in the field. The problem with this plan was that I was not interested in going to school for the next 10 years in order to do a Ph.D. program, which is pretty necessary in order to do research. I graduated from FHS in 2009 and decided to come to UNB to study GGE because geodesy covers much gravity studies and if research work did not work out in the end, I would have an engineering degree to fall back on.
Since coming to the department I have had some awesome opportunities to work in photogrammetry and spatial database monitoring through the government. I've worked with cutting edge LiDAR techniques and have developed software extensions that are in use throughout the province now.
I've still got my eyes set on doing geodesy and have had the opportunity to work with some of the best minds in the field. This year I did my undergraduate research on how meteorite impacts affect the gravity field and I will be starting my Master's degree this fall looking at localized geoids.
If I had to re-live the past 4 years of my life, I would not hesitate to come and study GGE at UNB again; it has been an amazing opportunity. The people that I have met and the connections that I have made throughout the scientific community have definitely made my university career better than I could have ever expected.