Forest Geomatics and Biometrics Technology

Overview

Ecological forest management ensures resources are harvested in a way that supports both the economy and protects the biodiversity of the forest. This program equips you with the specialized geomatics skills needed to achieve this balance. 

You develop skills to inventory forest values, plan harvests and forecast ecosystem response through the practical, real-world application of current technologies. These skills are critical in supporting the shift to a selection-based harvest model that supports forest ecology, biodiversity and sustainable forest development.

You learn to: 

• Identify forest ecosystem characteristics that inform sustainable, culturally appropriate forestry practices including forest structure, wildlife habitat, biodiversity, hydrology, stand health, land use and other information to support ecological forestry.
• Plan and execute remote data collection including GIS and remote sensing to identify forest characteristics and monitor, map and manage forest ecosystems.
• Apply statistical analysis methods to spatial and non-spatial forest data to support ecological forest management.
• Design cartographic products to communicate data with colleagues, community partners and landowners.
• Identify practices for applying a two-eyed seeing approach to sustainable forestry.

Work experience

• Field experience (work placement) is a mandatory credit course completed at the end of your program. It provides you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills outside of the classroom. 
  • Opportunities are typically unpaid and last approximately 5 weeks.
  • Transportation, accommodations and other costs related to work placements are your responsibility. 
  • You get a chance to apply your learning in a work placement with an employer – locally or internationally. 
  • For more information, visit Work Experience Opportunities

Study options

• This program is offered in-person with extensive field work. 

Choose NSCC

• This program is offered at the Centre of Geographic Science (COGS), Canada’s largest geomatics-focused learning environment, and prepares you for a career in forest management. COGS has earned a strong reputation among employers and geomatics professionals for the quality of the programs, hands-on training and practical learning provided to students.
• You use the most up-to-date equipment and software and get hands-on training.
• Small class sizes provide you with lots of opportunities for one-on-one interaction and support.

Other info

• Some travel is required and varies based on your specific program plan. Additional costs include meals and accommodation.
• This program includes a large outdoor component to prepare you for real workplace situations. You should be in good physical condition and be prepared to work in a variety of weather conditions.
• Many employers in this industry require a current, official criminal record check as part of the hiring process. A conviction on your criminal record may impact your ability to secure employment.

September 2023

Campus	Full time/part time	Delivery	Availability
Annapolis Valley Campus Classes at COGS	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available

Admission requirements

• Diploma, advanced diploma, graduate certificate, or undergraduate degree from a related area. Related areas include:
  • Forestry (including Natural Resource Environmental Technology)
  • Geomatics (including Geographic Information Systems, Cartography, Geomatics Engineering Technology)
  • Geography
  • Environmental Science
  • Biology
  • Archaeology
  • Geology
  • Engineering (including technology and technician programs)
  • Resource Management
• International students – Submit your official post-secondary documents for assessment. View English language requirements by country

Program requirements

• Portfolio development – As part of your studies at NSCC, you develop a portfolio of your work; the portfolio captures your achievements and profiles your skills to employers.

Tuition

Tuition amounts are for the 2022-23 academic year. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional. 2023-24 tuition will be announced in the late Spring.

Tuition, fees and program costs

In addition to annual tuition, there are program costs (books, tools, etc.) and student fees for college services, health and dental plans, your student association and parking.

View detailed program fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.

• Forest Geomatics and Biometrics Technology

Career options

Graduates are uniquely prepared for careers in ecological forest management. They are employed with conservation groups, government agencies, environmental consulting companies, engineering firms and forest management companies in a variety of capacities including:

• Forest Inventory Resource Officer
• Forest Planning Technologist
• Forest Survey or Research Officer
• Park Planning Technician