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Going out on your own

How to start a geomatics and drone-survey business in Ontario

Geomatics and drone-survey businesses capture the world as data — topographic surveys, drone mapping and volumes, 3D laser scanning, and GIS. It is the fast-growing, technology-driven side of surveying, distinct from the cadastral (legal boundary) work reserved to licensed Ontario Land Surveyors.

Geomatics & Drone Survey at a glance

Credential
No licence for non-cadastral survey; drones need a Transport Canada RPAS certificate
Path in
Geomatics/GIS education → CET (OACETT) → drone certification → experience
Regulated by
Transport Canada (drones); cadastral boundary work is reserved to an O.L.S.
Insurance baseline
Professional liability (E&O), aviation/drone liability
Professional body
OACETT (C.E.T.); Transport Canada (RPAS)

The steps to start your practice

  1. 1

    Stand up your geomatics / drone-survey business

    No survey licence is needed for non-cadastral work — but you need your RPAS certification for drones, technologist credibility (C.E.T.), and professional liability plus aviation/drone insurance. Incorporate, and partner with an O.L.S. for any cadastral deliverables.

    Full guide: Insurance
  2. 2

    Incorporate (or form a professional corporation)

    Most professionals incorporate to limit liability and for tax efficiency. Several regulated professions (architects, engineers) can form a professional corporation with a Certificate of Authorization — confirm the right entity type with your regulator before filing.

    Full guide: Incorporation
  3. 3

    Set up your CRA accounts

    Register for a Business Number, HST/GST (mandatory above $30,000 in revenue), payroll if you will hire, and corporate income tax. Professional service fees are HST-taxable.

    Full guide: CRA Registration
  4. 4

    Carry professional liability (E&O) insurance

    Errors & omissions insurance is the core coverage for a professional practice — and a firm-authorization condition for regulated professions. It protects against claims arising from your professional advice, designs, or certifications.

    Full guide: Insurance
  5. 5

    Stand up your practice operations

    Business banking, professional accounting, engagement letters and contracts, and the project and document workflows a practice runs on. This is the back office that keeps you paid and protected.

    Full guide: Operational Setup

Your launch checklist

The whole page in one list.

  • Stand up your geomatics / drone-survey business
  • Incorporate (or form a professional corporation)
  • Set up your CRA accounts
  • Carry professional liability (E&O) insurance
  • Stand up your practice operations

Let AEC Stack handle the business side

Incorporation, CRA, insurance, and the operations to run a practice, set up so you can focus on the professional work.

Start your practice