Geographic Information Systems Technologists & Technicians
Also called:
Geographic Information System Analyst (GIS Analyst), Geographic Information Systems Analyst (GIS Analyst), GIS Specialist (Geographic Information Systems Specialist), GIS Technician (Geographic Information Systems Technician)
A geographic information system, or GIS, is a computer system that captures and stores data related to positions on the Earth's surface. It’s used to create maps that reveal spatial relationships invaluable for planning and communications in areas such as agriculture, health care, retail trade, or military intelligence. GIS technicians, and geospatial information scientists and technologists, produce data layers, maps, graphs, and reports using GIS technology. They compile data from remote sensing devices and cartographic or global positioning system maps, and enter it into GIS databases. Data accuracy, currency, and quality are critical, so they must review the data carefully. With clean data, GIS professionals program computers, analyze the data, and develop software for GIS applications. Many GIS technicians, and geospatial information scientists and technologists conduct research of their own, or design research for clients to use in a wide range of projects, from identifying ideal locations for solar or wind energy installations, routing transportation to minimize energy consumption, to defining wildlife areas. They often work with teams, and guide analyses to target specific projects or problems. Workweeks are usually on a 40-hour standard schedule. Most jobs, though not all, require a bachelor’s degree. It’s not uncommon for people in the field to have a master’s degree.
What they do:
Assist scientists or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems (GIS) databases. May also perform some custom application development or provide user support.
On the job, you would:
Produce data layers, maps, tables, or reports, using spatial analysis procedures or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, equipment, or systems.
Design or prepare graphic representations of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data, using GIS hardware or software applications.
Maintain or modify existing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases.
Math and Science
geography
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Engineering and Technology
computers and electronics
design
Arts and Humanities
English language
Business
customer service
Basic Skills
reading work related information
thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
People and Technology Systems
thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
Verbal
read and understand what is written
communicate by speaking
Ideas and Logic
make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
use rules to solve problems
Math
choose the right type of math to solve a problem
add, subtract, multiply, or divide
Visual Understanding
see hidden patterns
People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
Attention to Detail
Analytical Thinking
Independence
Integrity
Dependability
Initiative
You might use software like this on the job:
Geographic information system
ESRI ArcGIS software
Geographic information system GIS software
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Web platform development software
Microsoft ASP.NET
Oracle JavaServer Pages JSP
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.