The Government of Canada is helping to further position the Schulich School of Engineering at the University of Calgary as a world leader in applied geomatics engineering research through an investment that will facilitate the development and commercialization of new Global Positioning System (GPS) technologies.

The combined federal investment of almost $1.75 million was announced today by Art Hanger, Member of Parliament for Calgary Northeast, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification.

“The Government of Canada is proud to support Alberta’s leadership in developing new products or services for the growing market,” said MP Art Hanger.  “Today’s investment enables the Schulich School of Engineering at the University of Calgary to build on its established strengths and supports the continued growth of the advanced technology sector in Western Canada.”

Geomatics engineering is the science and technology of gathering, analyzing and using geographical information.  An important aspect is the worldwide satellite navigation system referred to as the Global Positioning System (GPS), a type of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS).

The federal investment will be used to develop advanced prototype Global Navigation Satellite System software receivers and train highly qualified people for Canadian industries.  The software receivers developed will take advantage of ever-changing and improving network features that improve satellite accuracy and reliability.  The project will also enable receivers to be more easily upgraded, eliminating the need to purchase a new unit, as is currently required with existing hardwired receivers.

“The field of geomatics engineering is rapidly expanding and has a wide range of applications that benefit all Canadians,” said Harvey Weingarten, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calgary. “We are pleased the Government of Canada is investing in this area and enhancing the research of our talented team.”

Canada is second only to the United States in the value of GNSS products and services that are exported.  Calgary, in particular, is a major centre for much of Canada’s commercial activity in this sector.  The success of Alberta-based businesses in this field can also be attributed in large part to graduates of the Schulich School’s Department of Geomatics Engineering. The Schulich School of Engineering at the University of Calgary is considered one of the top research institutions in the world in the area of GNSS research, and owns more than 200 licenses for the software it has developed.

Western Economic Diversification Canada is a department of the Government of Canada that works in partnership with western provinces, industry associations and communities to encourage diversification of the western economy, as well as to represent the interests of the West in national decision-making.

For additional information, contact:

Pierre Floréa
Director of Communications
Office of the President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification
Telephone: 613-943-1838

Jennifer Sowa
Media Relations Officer
Schulich School of Engineering
University of Calgary
Telephone: 403-220-3724