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
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
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
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
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
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

Turn authorization into a working practice

Once the firm can practise, the next work is commercial: define the fee, prepare a credible proposal, and put a repeatable operating rhythm behind the professional work.