Supervisors
Learn about faculty available to supervise this degree.
Please note: additional supervisors may be available. Contact the program for more information.
Program overview
Looking for a career in research with a great indoor/outdoor balance? Geomatics Engineering is a varied and exciting technology discipline that requires design, computational and measurement skills utilized through field work, lab experiments and computer modeling. Geomatics Engineers get to solve an engaging variety of problems in applications ranging from satellite positioning to environmental monitoring with a common attribute: spatial location. Our world-renowned Department of Geomatics Engineering offers such opportunities through the research-oriented Geomatics Engineering (PhD Thesis) program for graduate students who want to pursue a research career in academia, industry or government.
Completing this program
- Courses: Topics may include physical geodesy, GNSS theory and applications, Earth observation for the environment, geocomputation and more.
- Candidacy: Students will complete a Thesis Proposal, Written Exam and the Field of Study (FoS) Oral Examination.
- Professional Development Seminar: Students take a professional development course on communication styles, presentation skills and more.
- Thesis: Students will be required to submit and defend original research at a high level and represent a distinct advance in knowledge on the subject.
Specializations
- Positioning, Navigation and Wireless Location
- Geodesy, Remote Sensing and Earth Observation
- Digital Imaging Systems
- GIScience and Land Tenure
- Energy and Environmental Systems (Interdisciplinary)
- Environmental Engineering (Interdisciplinary)
Outcomes
Industry, government agencies, space agencies, research institutions and academia related to the following sectors: land and industrial surveying, mapping, land tenure, navigation, location services, aerospace, internet of things, environment and hazards, energy and natural resources, agriculture, biomedical, civil, mining, transportation, robotics, automotive, electronics, computer software.
A PhD in geomatics engineering is usually considered a final degree.
Thesis-based program
Students are required to prepare a thesis and successfully defend in an open oral defense.
Courses
Three courses and a Professional Development Seminar
Learn more about program requirements in the Academic Calendar
Classroom delivery
Time commitment
Three years full-time; six years maximum
Supervisor
A supervisor is required, and must agree to oversee the student's research before admission will be granted
Fees and funding
See the Graduate Calendar for information on fees and fee regulations, and for information on awards and financial assistance.
-
Accepting InquiriesHigh-Precision GNSS and GNSS/INS Integration -
Accepting InquiriesTerrestrial laser scanning, 3D range imaging, Dual fluoroscopic imaging -
Accepting Inquiries -
Seeking StudentsAutonomous Mapping -
UnavailableGeodesy and Earth Observation -
Accepting Inquiries -
Accepting InquiriesLiDAR, 3D -
Accepting InquiriesGeoAI, Spatial Data Mining, Smart Cities, Location-based Social Networks
Admission requirements
GPA
A minimum of 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 point system
Minimum education
An MSc degree or equivalent from a recognized institution.
Work samples
None
Documents
- A C.V.
- A Statement of Purpose
Reference letters
Two
Test scores
None
English language proficiency (ELP)
An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL ibt) score of 86 with no section less than 20 (Internet-based).
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 with no section less than 6.0 (Academic version).
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 59, or higher (academic version).
- Canadian Academic English Language test (CAEL) score of 70 with no section less than 60.
- Academic Communication Certificate (ACC) score of B+ in each course.
Deadlines
For admission on September 1:
- Canadians and permanent residents: Jul. 1 application deadline
- International students: Mar. 1 application deadline
For admission on January 1:
- Canadians and permanent residents: Nov. 1 application deadline
- International students: Jul. 1 application deadline
For admission on May 1:
- Canadians and permanent residents: Mar. 1 application deadline
- International students: Nov. 1 application deadline
For admission on July 1:
- Canadians and permanent residents: May 1 application deadline
- International students: Jan. 1 application deadline
If you're not a Canadian or permanent resident, or if you have international credentials, make sure to learn about international requirements
Learn more about this program
Department of Geomatics Engineering
ENE 228, 2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, ABT2N 1N4
403.220.4979
Contact the Graduate Program Administrator
Visit the departmental website
Schulich School of Engineering
University of Calgary
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4
Related programs
If you're interested in this program, you might want to explore other UCalgary programs.
Highlights of the Anthropology program
These stories from those involved in the program show what it's like to be involved yourself.
A success story of international cooperation
Geomatics graduate You Li's PhD is recognized by both UCalgary and Wuhan University, China
Using NASA satellites to predict forest fires
Quazi Hassan puts geomatics engineering to work making remote parts of Alberta safer
Tech startup with roots in UCalgary Geomatics Department
Trusted Positioning Inc., born out of the geomatics department, sold for $36 million
Curious about the University of Calgary?
Located in the nation's most enterprising city, we are a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude.