Geomatics

Geomatics is the science of building efficient earthrelated data production workflows. Such workflows go from initial measurements using diverse technologies to the processing and dissemination of these data in various formats: maps, geospatial databases, field coordinates, spatial statistics, aerial images, and so on. For example, the success of Google Earth relies on an efficient workflow to acquire, integrate, process, and disseminate satellite images, aerial photographs, 3D digital terrain models, road maps, and global positioning system (GPS) positions obtained from heterogeneous sources. Geomatics is thus concerned with the measurement and representation of the earth, its natural and man-made features, its resources, and the phenomena taking place on it. It is also concerned with the influences of geospatial digital workflows on society, organizations, and individuals.

Geomatics is a broad paradigm that emphasizes the use of a system approach to chain heterogeneous geospatial information technologies (GIT). It embraces the more specific disciplines of surveying, geodesy, photogrammetry, remote sensing, cartography, hydrography, positioning, and geographic information systems (GIS). It heavily relies on geoinformatics, which focuses on geoenabling modern information technologies (e.g., database, decision support, Internet), communication technologies (e.g., wireless networks, cell [Page 196]phones), and interconnection solutions (e.g., protocols, standards, compatibility, interoperability).

Geomatics, similarly to informatics, physics, and mathematics, involves generic knowledge applied in various fields, such as forestry, geology, civil engineering, administration, public health, environmental protection, land management, urban planning, and tourism, to name a few. Geomatics brings the knowledge necessary to master the hidden complexities of the numerous spatial referencing methods (quantitative and qualitative) used as integration basis for many projects and systems.

Geomatics deals with highly precise technical data (e.g., earth crust movement detection) as well as static thematic data (e.g., map showing spatial distributions of damage categories after a hurricane), real-time mobile data (e.g., monitoring of emergency vehicles), administrative and legal GIS updating workflows (e.g., a cadastral information system), and so on. Geomatics expertise is highly valuable to build applications with GIS software, but many geomatics projects do not use GIS software, since there are many alternatives (e.g., computer-aided-drafting software [CAD], spatial database management systems, Web map servers) and there are many one-shot projects not requiring GIS software (e.g., field survey for a dam construction, satellite image processing for an environmental impact study, volume calculation from 3D scans of extracted mining material).

Although it is common to see nonspecialists who perceive geomatics as a synonym of GIS, it is not and has never been intended this way, GIS being one of the several components that may contribute to the geospatial data workflow of a project or an information system. In other words, geomatics is the science of selecting and chaining different GIT in the most efficient manner, while taking into account today's communication technologies and users' needs and contexts (budget, time, legal, organizational).