Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Geomatics, associate degree

Geomatics is the science of measuring, analyzing, and visualizing location information. PCC’s Geomatics program gives you skills to turn spatial data into action. Learn to use modern tools in real-world projects.

Why choose the Geomatics degree at PCC?

In PCC’s Geomatics Associate of Applied Science (AAS) program, you learn practical skills used in mapping and surveying careers. You’ll make maps, fly drones, and work with GPS and surveying tools. You’ll also learn computer-aided drawing and build foundational programming skills.

Throughout the program, you apply what you learn to real-world projects and work with local industry partners. This hands-on experience helps you graduate with skills you can use on the job.

See the Geomatics advising guide.

Geomatics by the numbers

• 2 years: Students can earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) if attending full-time.
• $21-$31: Most students earn $21-$31 per hour in an entry-level Mapping or Surveying Technician position.
• 10: Minimum number of software programs you will learn while earning your Geomatics AAS.

Measuring and mapping place

Geomatics is the science of collecting, measuring, analyzing, and presenting spatial data. It is rooted in land surveying. Today, geomatics uses technologies such as GPS, LiDAR, 3D scanning, and drones. Mapping and surveying professionals:

• Understand geographic concepts
• Think spatially
• Communicate visually and graphically
• Are comfortable working with technology

A future in geomatics

What can you do with an AAS in Geomatics? This degree gives you skills to work with location data to solve a range of real-world problems. Our students find roles in both the public and the private sector, such as:

• GIS (geographic information systems) technician
• Remote sensing technician
• Survey technician

These jobs pay a living wage and often combine fieldwork and modern technology. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, surveying and mapping technician jobs in Oregon are projected to grow 12% from 2019 to 2029.

Award information

Degrees and certificates by number of terms to complete

Award	Length (attending full-time)	Financial aid eligible	Currently accepting students?
Associate Degree: Geomatics	2 years

Courses

Course listing for the 2026-2027 catalog year.

• Current class schedule
• Class descriptions (catalog)

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
CCET 140	Introduction to Civil & Construction Drafting	3
or CADD 126	Introduction to AutoCAD
CCET 210	Introduction to Surveying	4
CCET 220	Computer Applications for Surveying	3
CCET 230	Intermediate Surveying	4
CIS 125D	Database Application Development I	4
CIS 122	Introduction to Programming Logic	4
GEO 170	Maps and Geospatial Concepts *	4
or CCET 100 & CCET 110	Civil Engineering Construction Overview and Plan Reading
GEO 223	GPS Theory and Design	4
GEO 240	Cartographic Principles and Applications	4
GEO 242	GIS Programming	5
GEO 244	Interactive Map Design	4
GEO 246	Remote Sensing and Image Analysis	4
GEO 248	Fundamentals of Drone Operations	4
or UAS 101 & UAS 102	and
GEO 252	Geospatial Modeling with Drones	4
GEO 254	Geospatial Modeling with Drones II	4
GEO 260	Boundary Surveys & Maps	4
GEO 265	Intro to GIS & Mapping Techniques	4
GEO 266	GIS Analysis	4
GEO 267	Geospatial Applications	4
or GEO 280A	CE: Geography
GEO 270	Creating a Map Portfolio	1
MTH 111Z	Precalculus I - Functions Z	4
MTH 112Z	Precalculus II - Trigonometry Z	4
WR 121Z	Composition I Z	4
WR 227Z	Technical Writing Z	4
General Education: 2 courses
Total Credits		98

*

Could be used as General Education

Z

This course is part of Oregon Common Course Numbering. The following courses are equivalent:
MTH 111 and MTH 111Z
MTH 112 and MTH 112Z
WR 121 and WR 121Z
WR 227 and WR 227Z