Geomatics Technology
Course Requirements
The Geomatics Technology program is a course of study that prepares students to use mathematical and scientific principles for the delineation, determination, planning and positioning of land tracts, boundaries, contours and features applying principles of route surveying, construction surveying, photogrammetry, mapping, global positioning systems, geographical information systems, and other kinds of property description and measurement to create related maps, charts and reports.
Coursework includes instruction in applied geodesy, computer graphics, photo interpretation, plane and geodetic surveying, mensuration, traversing, survey equipment operation and maintenance, instrument calibration, and basic cartography.
Employment Prospects
Graduates should qualify for jobs as survey party chief, instrument person, surveying technician, highway surveyor, mapper, GPS technician, and CAD operator. Graduates will be prepared to pursue the requirements necessary to become a Professional Land Surveyor in North Carolina.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the annual median pay (2019) for the following 2-year and 4-year engineering technologies related occupations between about $45,000 to $66,000.
2-Year: Surveying or Mapping Technician
4-Year: Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
Transfer Opportunities
Our Engineering and Construction Technologies graduates have several transfer opportunities available. Graduates may pursue 4-year degrees in Architectural Technology & Design, Civil Engineering Technology, Construction Management, Geomatics (Surveying) and Sustainable Building Systems. These 4-year degree opportunities are available through the following North Carolina universities.**
Appalachian State University – Architectural Technology & Design
Appalachian State University – Construction Management
Appalachian State University – Sustainable Building Systems
East Carolina University – Construction Management
East Carolina University – Design: Architectural Technology Concentration
UNC Charlotte – Civil Engineering Technology
UNC Charlotte – Construction Management
**Students should contact senior institutions to verify specific transfer requirements.
See Our Facilities
Most Engineering classes are held in Little Hall. Click on this building on our Virtual Tour and see the Wellard Technology Center, Byerly Auditorium, our Drafting Lab, the Engineering Lab, and the building exterior.
Estimated Program Expenses
| ITEM | IN-STATE COST | OUT-OF-STATE COST |
| Tuition* | $5,700.00 | $20,100.00 |
| Student Activity Fee | $175.00 | $175.00 |
| Technology Fee | $240.00 | $240.00 |
| General Education Course fees | $0-100.00 | $0-100.00 |
| Additional Program fees | $300.00 | $300.00 |
| Program Travel fees (optional) | $0-1,000.00 | $0-1,000.00 |
| Textbooks | $1,500.00 | $1,500.00 |
| Supplies | $200.00 | $200.00 |
*Program credit hours: 75 – $76.00 per credit hour in-state tuition, $268.00 per credit hour out-of-state tuition.
Contact Information
Ed Spitler, Coordinator/Distinguished Professor
910.695.3797
spitlere@sandhills.edu