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Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians

  • Bright Outlook
  • Rapid Growth

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 you’d do

  • Review existing or incoming data for currency, accuracy, usefulness, quality, or completeness of documentation.
  • Produce data layers, maps, tables, or reports, using spatial analysis procedures or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, equipment, or systems.
  • Maintain or modify existing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases.
  • Select cartographic elements needed for effective presentation of information.
  • Enter data into Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases, using techniques such as coordinate geometry, keyboard entry of tabular data, manual digitizing of maps, scanning or automatic conversion to vectors, or conversion of other sources of digital data.
  • Interpret aerial or ortho photographs.
  • Create, analyze, report, convert, or transfer data, using specialized applications program software.
  • Design, program, or model Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications or procedures.

Skills that matter

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Listening
  • Monitoring
  • Speaking

How to get there

Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree

Also called

  • GIS Analyst (Geographic Information Systems Analyst)
  • GIS Coordinator (Geographic Information Systems Coordinator)
  • GIS Specialist (Geographic Information Systems Specialist)
  • GIS Tech (Geographic Information Systems Technician)
  • Geospatial Technician
  • GIS Admin (Geographic Information Systems Administrator)

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