Our GANS Social Spotlight continues, showcasing the people shaping Nova Scotia’s geomatics community.
Interested in being featured? Visit: https://gans.ca/GANS-social-spotlight
(Keep in mind, you don’t need to be a GANS member!)
This week’s spotlight featuresIsaac Sampson, recent graduate of the Marine Geomatics program at the Centre of Geographic Sciences, NSCC.
Q: What made you decide to study geomatics?
My passion for geomatics was inspired by maps and nautical charts collected by my father throughout his career as an outdoor guide and expedition leader. The desire to better understand how to interpret and create them is what led to my enrolling in the Geographic Information Systems Technician at COGS in 2023-2024. During my studies, I was introduced to the Cartography and Marine Geomatics programs, both of which I graduated from (24'-25', and 25'-26' respectively) which further reinforced my passion for the geomatics industry. The opportunity to continue my education at COGS allowed me to develop a diverse background in mapping, surveying, and geospatial and marine technologies. Over the course of my three years studying I focused on gaining as much knowledge and practical experience as I was possibly able to.
Q: The people there with you will be one of the best resources you have. The faculty all actively want you to succeed and will work with you to ensure that you do your best, and your fellow students are in the same boat as you, you will all struggle at times and you will all succeed together at the end. Never be afraid to ask for help, chances are you aren't the only person who doesn't understand something at that moment in time. You're all learning together. Some of my closest friendships were born out of helping each other with assignments and working late nights in the classroom.
Q: To work offshore as a hydrographic surveyor and utilize all the skills I've obtained from COGS to make a meaningful impact on the world. To be able to travel around the world and apply my background in geomatics is an amazing privilege.
