Example Career: Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians

Career Description

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.

What Job Titles Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians Might Have

• Geographic Information System Analyst (GIS Analyst)
• Geographic Information Systems Analyst (GIS Analyst)
• GIS Specialist (Geographic Information Systems Specialist)
• GIS Technician (Geographic Information Systems Technician)

What Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians Do

• 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.
• Provide technical expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to clients or users.
• Perform computer programming, data analysis, or software development for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications, including the maintenance of existing systems or research and development for future enhancements.
• Review existing or incoming data for currency, accuracy, usefulness, quality, or completeness of documentation.
• Perform geospatial data building, modeling, or analysis, using advanced spatial analysis, data manipulation, or cartography software.
• Design or coordinate the development of integrated Geographic Information Systems (GIS) spatial or non-spatial databases.
• Perform integrated or computerized Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analyses to address scientific problems.
• Select cartographic elements needed for effective presentation of information.
• Provide technical support to users or clients regarding the maintenance, development, or operation of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases, equipment, or applications.
• Collect, compile, or integrate Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data, such as remote sensing or cartographic data for inclusion in map manuscripts.
• Interpret aerial or ortho photographs.
• Meet with clients to discuss topics such as technical specifications, customized solutions, or operational problems.
• Document, design, code, or test Geographic Information Systems (GIS) models, internet mapping solutions, or other applications.
• Create, analyze, report, convert, or transfer data, using specialized applications program software.
• Confer with users to analyze, configure, or troubleshoot applications.
• Design, program, or model Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications or procedures.
• Develop specialized computer software routines, internet-based Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases, or business applications to customize geographic information.
• Make recommendations regarding upgrades, considering implications of new or revised Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, equipment, or applications.
• Assist users in formulating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) requirements or understanding the implications of alternatives.
• Create visual representations of geospatial data, using complex procedures such as analytical modeling, three-dimensional renderings, or plot creation.
• Transfer or rescale information from original photographs onto maps or other photographs.
• Prepare training materials for, or make presentations to, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) users.
• Conduct research, data analysis, systems design, or support for software such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or Global Positioning Systems (GPS) mapping software.
• Read current literature, talk with colleagues, continue education, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, equipment, or systems.
• Recommend procedures, equipment, or software upgrades to increase data accessibility or ease of use.

What Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians Should Be Good At

• Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
• Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
• Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
• Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
• Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
• Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
• Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
• Flexibility of Closure - The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

What Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians Should Be Interested In

• Investigative - Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
• Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

What Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians Need to Learn

• Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
• Geography - Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
• English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
• Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
• Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
• Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.