This immersive program combines classroom instruction on the fundamentals of physical geography, geomatics and natural sciences with laboratory activities and outdoor field courses. You will study natural systems from the highest layer of the atmosphere to below the Earth’s surface and make observations and measurements using scientific equipment. You will polish your analytical and problem-solving skills by mastering state-of-the-art data analysis and mapping technologies, using satellite and drone data. Teaching skills that are in high demand, this program will prepare you to use the latest tools to understand significant issues such as climate change, Arctic development and biodiversity.
Physical geography and geomatics (BA or BSc)
Program overview
DURATION
OFFER
LANGUAGE
OPTIONS
Why choose this program
Advanced Technical Skills Development: Master cutting‑edge technologies in spatial analysis and mapping, including geographic information systems, remote sensing, satellite data, drones/UAVs, and GPS positioning tools. These skills will equip you to address major issues such as climate change, northern development, and biodiversity.
Flexible and Interdisciplinary Program: Customize your academic path through a wide range of courses in physical geography, geomatics, computer science, and natural sciences. You can also combine this program with another major or a minor as part of an Honours degree, leading to either a BSc or a BA depending on the structure you choose.
Field‑Based Learning: Take advantage of two mandatory field courses, along with several optional ones in northern Canada or abroad. Fieldwork is at the heart of physical geography: you will study diverse environments—from the mountains of the Yukon to the coral reefs of Zanzibar—while applying your knowledge to real‑world issues such as coastal erosion or habitat loss.
Diverse Career Opportunities: Prepare for a wide range of professional pathways, including GIS analyst, remote sensing specialist, geomatics technician, environmental analyst, climate project coordinator, or physical geographer. Graduates gain the scientific knowledge and technical expertise needed to become leaders in these rapidly growing fields.
Program structure
Browse program options
You will obtain a BSc with this Major if you register to this program first and combine it with another Major or Minor as part of an Honors program; if taken as part of a non-Honors program you will obtain a BA.The Major in Physical Geography and Geomatics is an interdisciplinary program that combines compulsory courses from physical geography, geomatics, computer and natural sciences. You will focus on core components of this program such as Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing which will provide you with skills that are in high demand in the work force and are essential for present day geography and other disciplines. Field work is a critical component of physical geography, thus you will be taking two mandatory field courses and will have several optional ones in Canada`s north or abroad. You will be focusing on areas such as northern environments, climate change and spatial analysis.
Admission requirements and deadlines for Physical Geography and Geomatics
After your studies
After completing your undergraduate studies in Physical Geography and Geomatics, you have two main paths to consider: continuing your education or entering the workforce.
You may choose to pursue graduate studies, such as a Master’s degree in Geography (MA or M.Sc), to deepen your knowledge and develop advanced research, analytical, and critical thinking skills. A research-based MA is ideal if you’re interested in specializing in a topic or eventually pursuing a PhD.
Alternatively, you can move directly into the job market. Your degree can lead to a variety of careers in fields such as Sea Ice Forecaster, Water Quality Monitoring Agent, Research Scientist, Permafrost Monitoring Agent. These opportunities allow you to apply your skills in intercultural communication and cognitive adaptability in real-world settings.
Whether you choose further studies or enter the workforce, your degree provides a strong foundation to build a career in Physical Geography and Geomatics.
Tuition and fees
Student experience
Field courses and excursions
Take part in three hour-long excursions in Ottawa’s region to study hydrology, landscapes or past environments. For more immersive field experience, leave on a multi-day field course to study Urban Geography in Montreal, Environmental change in the Georgian Bay area, Cold environments in Gaspésie, Canada’s North in the Yukon, Glaciology in Iceland or Tropical Coastal Environments in Zanzibar. Take a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study in a transformative learning environment.
Undergraduate Students Association GAIA
Gaia is the Geography, Environment and Geomatics Student Association. They serve and represent the student bodies of these programs and to help better your university experience.
“Gaia“ (pronounced guy-a), according to Greek Mythology, is the goddess of the Earth. James Lovelock used the term in the 1970s to describe the earth as a living, self-regulating organism.
“Gaia“ (pronounced guy-a), according to Greek Mythology, is the goddess of the Earth. James Lovelock used the term in the 1970s to describe the earth as a living, self-regulating organism.
Geography Graduate Students Association GGSA
The GGSA is a departmental organization responsible for supporting and representing graduate students in the Department of Geography, Environment and Geomatics at the University of Ottawa. We allow the voices of graduate students to be heard by sitting in and voting at department assemblies. We also organize social events to encourage human geographers, physical geographers, and geomatics specialists to interact with and learn from each other.
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