geomatics is concerned with the application of computers to the traditional spatial techniques used in cartography and topography. geomatics emerged from the quantitative revolution in geography in the mid-1950s. today, geomatics methods include spatial analysis, geographic information systems (gis), remote sensing, and global positioning systems (gps). geomatics has led to a revitalization of some geography departments, especially in northern america where the subject had a declining status during the 1950s.