1. Why did you start this study?
First of all, I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to Hydro International for giving me this golden opportunity to share my view and experience as a young Geomatics student. Currently, I am pursuing my Bachelor of Engineering (Geomatic Engineering) study at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. I am now in the fourth and final year with special focus on hydrographic surveying. I started this course because I have a passion and interest in this field which began after I surfed the internet. Besides that, I would like to work in this field because I want to face the challenges that are expected from this field. Furthermore, I am confident that the demand for geomatic engineers will increase in the future due to the ever–growing need for spatial-related information in this country and it is indeed a very unique profession. Geomatic engineering is widely applied in industries such as construction, oil and gas, plantation, mining, remote sensing, GIS companies, offshore surveying, license surveyors companies, land offices, survey departments, surveying software vendors, surveying instrument vendors and many more.

2. What is your outlook? While pursuing my study, I am also building confidence and exploring new areas. As a geomatic engineer, we could specialise in hydrography, photogrammetry, remote sensing, control surveys, geographic information systems (GIS), site improvements surveys, construction and engineering surveys, global positioning surveys, cartography and mapping. As for me, I want to be an offshore surveyor. Therefore I am looking forward to gaining technical and mental knowledge, and skills because I think that the most important skills and personal attributes needed in offshore surveying revolve around the ability to deal with unfamiliar situations, which seem to present themselves every day. Also, and perhaps more importantly, is the ability to work well as a team, even in stressful circumstances. Working with the same people in tight spaces for days or weeks could be difficult if people do not get along. As an offshore surveyor, one will work all around the globe in teams composed of people with different cultures and background. The most important skills and attributes in this world are openness to ideas, listening to others, using open-ended questions and creating an environment where people share their views and ideas.

3. What do you want to achieve? I hope that I can become a successful offshore surveyor. When I first studied geomatic engineering at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, I did not have any understanding of hydrography. When I learnt more about it, I discovered that hydrographic knowledge was useful for those who study geomatic engineering to step into the oil & gas industry. Moreover, I like the idea of working outdoors, especially in the offshore industry. Within the context of a career with hydrography, I expect that it will offer great opportunities, as long as we can face all the challenges. With a network of experienced people, I believe that a hydrographer can face these challenges. I have been fortunate to have some great people as my mentors and I can ask them for advice and get different perspectives on my work. I think hydrography offers a great long-term career, as there are such a variety of jobs. I hope that during my time I will get to achieve some life goals, such as working in other countries like England, and be able to integrate with other natural sciences. However, I also hope that one day I can help develop geomatic sciences in Malaysia. I hope that public awareness of the role that geomatics plays in their daily lives will be enhanced. Moreover, I wish that I can foster co-operation between and promote unity of purpose and action among Malaysian Geomatics Organisations. Friends and relatives around me always ask “What negative aspects do you expect from your life as a surveyor?” In my opinion there are none. We have to have a positive mind and try to think in an innovative way. As lecturers always tell me, young professionals with a geomatics background can get involved in all sorts of earth sciences like geology, GIS, environment, civil engineering, etc.

4. How do you like your degree? Geomatics is a really exciting and interesting field of study. Geomatic engineers design, develop and operate systems for collecting and analysing spatial information about the land, the oceans, natural resources, and man-made features. Geomatic engineers use their knowledge of science, engineering and measurement technologies to solve complex real world problems. Disciplines within geomatic engineering include: Geodesy, which provides students with the opportunity to explore the geodetic surveying avenues open to them; Land Surveying, which is concerned with the determination and recording of boundaries and areas of real property parcels, and the preparation and interpretation of legal land descriptions; Geographic Information System GIS/Mapping, which provides students with the opportunity to explore about LIS, computer mapping, and spatial and non-spatial data; Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, which provides students with the opportunity to explore topics ranging from aerial photographs for mapping to digital workstations to satellite imagery; Global Navigation Satellite System and Hydrography, which can provide students with knowledge about positioning, seabed topography and surveying or charting of the seas.
Factors that make me like this course include the fact that geomatic engineering graduates will demonstrate proficiency in applying analytical tools (mathematical and computational), basic and engineering sciences, and spatial sciences and design, thereby promoting practical professional excellence in engineering practice. Besides that, geomatic engineering graduates will demonstrate knowledge of contemporary issues, including the need for a diverse workforce, and an understanding of the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental and societal context. Professional and ethical responsibility will guide their engineering career. Students have the opportunity to specialise in a wide range of disciplines within the degree program and are able to tailor their choices to their specific needs. Geomatic engineering provides many opportunities for highly motivated students to apply their skills to various problems in different working environments. This may involve indoor or outdoor activity, travel to locations around the world, or the ability to develop a career in a more research-based environment.

Lau Kum Weng,
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia,
Skudai, Malaysia

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