Geographic Information Systems Specialist

Working Schedule

• Geographic Information Systems Specialists usually work full-time. In some cases, overtime is needed when a job is urgent. Some may only work in part-time positions, as needed.

Typical Duties

• Discuss project scope, expectations, budgets, timelines, and responsibilities
• Stay knowledgeable on a vast array of project types, including those involving civil engineering, electrical engineering, surveys, solar and wind energy, land development for residential and commercial use
• Research methods and places from which to gather data
• Gather and evaluate data from a variety of approved sources such as remote sensors
• Liaison with field support staff, as required
• Design and help build integrated computer systems, databases, modeling programs, and scientific/mathematical models
• Modify existing Geographic Information Systems databases, as needed
• Code GIS programs, perform functional tests, and troubleshoot errors
• Suggest GIS improvements, upgrades, and other changes
• Maintain technical documentation of work processes
• Prepare and input data into databases. Evaluate existing data already loaded
• Run data analysis and take note of trends and patterns
• Perform geospatial modeling and analysis
• Review aerial photos and orthoimages
• Decide upon appropriate cartographic elements to use for reports
• Use GIS to prepare reports, graphics, tables, data layers, 3D 
  renderings, maps, etc.
• Interpret results for clients or stakeholders
• Collaborate with relevant staff or teams; discuss findings

Additional Responsibilities

• Research ways for GIS to work with Global Positioning Systems software
• Work on GIS mobile apps
• Ensure quality control and data accuracy
• Offer training and technical support to users
• Stay up to date on industry changes and technological advancements
• Attend professional organization events to share information and learn from others

Soft Skills

• Activities Coordination
• Analytical
• Attention to detail
• Collaboration
• Critical thinking
• Deductive and inductive reasoning
• Detail-oriented
• Impartial
• Independent
• Monitoring
• Normal color vision
• Objective
• Organized
• Patient
• Perceptive
• Problem-solving
• Reading comprehension
• Strong communication skills
• Time management
• Visualization

Technical Skills

• Basic engineering principles and procedures
• Computer-aided design (CAD) programs
• Data analysis software
• Database management systems
• Design software, blueprints, 3D models, technical plans
• Development environment software
• Enterprise resource planning
• Geographic information systems, such as ESRI ArcGIS
• Geospatial industry programming languages, including Python, JavaScript, C+, HTML/CSS, Swift, Java, C#, SQL, PHP, Rust, Lotlin, Ruby, TypeScript, Matlad, Go, etc.
• Google Earth, KMZ files, and lidar
• Graphics/photo imaging programs
• Map creation software like CDA International’s Manifold System or ITT Visual Information Solutions
• Mobile location-based services software
• Previous work in/familiarity with consulting engineers and/or surveyors
• Scientific software, such as Coordinate Geometry COGO 
  Understanding of geography

• Banks
• City, state, and federal agencies
• Civil engineering companies
• Commercial businesses and factories
• Communications systems installation providers
• Education and research institutions
• Environmental science agencies
• Fire alarm/security system installers
• Forestry services
• Healthcare and human services agencies
• HVAC installers
• Insurance companies
• Law enforcement agencies
• Political science groups
• Real estate agencies
• Retail businesses
• Supply chain management companies
• Urban planners
• Utility providers

GIS technology is, or can be, used in virtually every industry imaginable! To get a feel for just how reliant we’ve become on these critical systems, check out Nobel’s 20 Ways GIS Data is Used in Business and Everyday Life. GIS is a core asset used to make important decisions that impact everything from company profits to public safety. Because of our dependence on GIS, GIS-generated data and results must be as accurate as possible.

GIS Specialists are the key to making sure the systems perform as needed and provide trustworthy output. A dated example of GIS gone wrong was pointed out on Stack Exchange, which noted how the incorrect use of spatial aspects completely misrepresented the “potential reach of North Korea’s missiles.” One simple oversight caused The Economist to report a massive underestimation of a possible military threat’s true scope. 

The field of GIS was born in the early 1960s and has developed nonstop ever since. Current trends include the increasing use of 3D analysis to add value to projects. Another area seeing exciting change is Web GIS, which brings the power of these systems to much larger communities. This, in turn, is expanding opportunities, enticing more people to learn GIS skills and add to the advancement.

In addition, the integration of GIS with Building Information Modeling and Computer-aided Drafting and Design is transforming and expanding the capabilities of these systems. Of course, as with so many other fields, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning have entered the fray to tap into the full potential of GIS while drawing upon real-time and “big” data.

Each of the above trends is so broad-ranging that no GIS Specialist can study them all, but it’s advisable to be familiar with all the changes and innovations happening.

Geographic Information Systems Specialists probably loved working with computers at an early age. They might have taken an interest in how things work or in data, statistics, figures, and even trivia. They may also have enjoyed using software to create art or graphic designs. Future specialists may have had a strong interest in some particular field, such as environmental studies, that they wanted to improve with the use of GIS technology.