Valley Is Base for New Geomatics Research
New research in the rapidly growing geomatics industry will soon be under way at the Centre of Geographic Sciences at the Annapolis Valley campus of the Nova Scotia Community College.
Geomatics is the application of computer technology to geography and is used by surveyors, cartographers, geographers, planners and landscape architects. Canada is a leader in the $10-billion global geomatics industry, which is growing at a rate of 20 per cent each year, according to Industry Canada.
Once new research facilities are in place, the centre will focus on the use of geomatics for both onshore and offshore mapping, environmental impact studies, flood risk assessment, oil and gas exploration, aquaculture site selection and many other applications in Atlantic coastal areas. Industry, university and government research groups in Nova Scotia will partner with the Centre of Geographic Sciences on these projects. The research has more than $700,000 in private sponsorship, as well as support from the provincial and federal governments.
"The facility has already put Nova Scotia on the map as a centre for geomatics expertise. Our investment in research will continue to build Nova Scotia's profile as a world leader in this field," said Annapolis MLA Frank Chipman, on behalf of Economic Development Minister Gordon Balser. "Our investment will also help to diversify Nova Scotia's economy and to increase our exports with new geomatics products and services."
The Canada Nova Scotia COOPERATION Agreement on Economic Diversification is investing $640,000 towards building renovations and specialized equipment at the community college's Lawrencetown, Middleton and Halifax sites. The agreement is managed by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Nova Scotia Economic Development.
"Expanding and creating new opportunities for research in coastal zone geomatics will provide numerous economic benefits for the region,"said Bernie Boudreau, Leader of the Government in the Senate and Minister responsible for Nova Scotia, on behalf of George Baker, Secretary of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. "It will also assist in retaining gifted students and faculty so that they are able to further their academic and employment opportunities in Nova Scotia."
Another $640,000 is being provided by the Canada Foundation for Innovation. The foundation, established by the federal government, is an independent, not-for-profit corporation that invests in research infrastructure at Canadian universities, colleges and research institutions.
"The foundation is proud to be a partner in this ambitious new research direction for Nova Scotia Community College," said David Strangway, foundation president and CEO. "With the addition of expertise in coastal zone geomatics, the college is positioned to have tremendous impact for many organizations in the region."
"The community college is the only college in the Maritimes to receive funding from the foundation's initial college research development fund competition," said Paul LaFleche, vice-president, academic. "This commitment by the foundation, the Economic Diversification Agreement and our industry partners is testament to the calibre of our faculty and their research that will benefit Nova Scotians."
Robert Maher, a world-class global information systems and geography specialist, will head the new research initiative. Mr. Maher has been working with the Annapolis Valley campus and was selected for the position from an international field of candidates.
The Centre of Geographic Sciences, an international leader in geomatics training and research, has a long-standing reputation for producing quality graduates who can be found working in onshore and offshore industries around the world.
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