Expedition Profiles by Omigbade Escayg

People make the Black Smoker Expedition possible, but who are the people involved and what do they do? In order to learn more about individual contributions, Omigbade Escayg presents: Expedition Profiles. These interviews with members of the expedition community and ship's crew will answer some intriguing questions and provide young people with information as to how to tailor their academic and personal pursuits to achieve a similar career.

Mike Rebitt, surveyor/hydrographer

Meet Mike Rebitt: Surveyor/Hydrographer

As a surveyor/hydrographer Mike creates maps which can be used by scientists, engineers and the general public. As part of his work, he works with a variety of sophisticated instrumentation from Plane Tables to Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to Total Stations (laser transecting) and Electronic Distance Meters (EDM). These instruments provide quantitative information like distance, direction and slope data for areas on land and in bodies of water.

Mike loves making maps and providing geographical positioning services. He believes that making maps is an extremely creative and scientific craft which combines the structure of mathematics with the flair of the arts.

Mike, a native of Victoria, British Columbia, received his education at the British Columbia Institute of Technology. There Mike earned an associate's degree in surveying after studying math, calculus, geometry, and computer programming, as well as geology, physics and plant taxonomy .

Mike is thrilled to be on this memorable expedition. Onboard the RV Thompson, Mike stands watch over the electronic charting station. His duties include monitoring the computer program, SEASCAPE, which reads data from the ship's Global Positioning System; the transceiver on the Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) ROPOS; and a network of seafloor-based transponders which help the positioning and navigation of ROPOS near the sea floor.

Mike works for a company called Terra Surveys(www.terrasurveys.com). He's been with that company for about 10 years and is also a member of the Canadian Hygrographic Association and the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia.

Mike Rebitt says: If you want to become a surveyor/hydrographer, develop your love for the outdoors and aquatic environments. Cultivate as many interests as you can like boating, diving, and art, and be prepared to work in extreme and challenging environments.

-- Omi Escayg