Geographic information system technology now a days are extensively used for scientific exploration, asset management, management of resources, environmental impact assessment, archaeology, urban planning, cartography, criminology, marketing, logistics, and other purposes.
What is a ''GIS Job''?
GIS career exist in every field. GIS is used in agriculture, environmental science, healthcare, urban planning, law enforcement, transportation planning, market research, defense, and much more. GIS helps people make better decisions. From surveyors and planners to farmers and scientists, all are dependent on GIS. As a result, there is no definite definition of a career in GIS. People trained in GIS and geographic analysis work in a variety of industries, government agencies, and educational institutes.
The following are various GIS jobs and their descriptions:
GIS analysts transform geographic data into maps and decision- making tools. Their primary responsibility is to create databases of geographic information and use them to solve problems.
GIS Analyst/Programmer contributes in the design, creation, modifications, and management of GIS software applications.
GIS developers create GIS software and manage GIS databases. These personnel have various job titles, including GIS developer, programmer, or analyst. Computer science is the most vital part of their work, but understanding mapmaking and geography is essential that helps developers know how the software should work and how it will be used.
Cartographic designers are involved in developing and producing scientific and technical maps and cartographic information. Cartographers are using GIS and digital-mapping techniques for producing these maps.
GIS/CAD Technicians are responsible for digital mapping and geographic record data entry, revision and correction of existing drawings, maps, and records according to plans; and also perform a variety of technical tasks relative to assigned areas of responsibility.
GIS Interns conduct analysis of GIS data; visit field sites to gather information; develop GIS databases from a variety of sources including text files, hard-copy maps, GPS data, field notes, etc.; download and process data from the Internet; and operate GIS software, hardware, and associated peripheral devices including GPS, plotters, digitizers, scanners, etc.
Technical Marketing Analysts utilize their GIS knowledge and industry expertise to market company’s software solutions to clients by developing, managing, and executing a comprehensive marketing, business development, and business partner plan.
Technical Writer/Documentation Specialists support the development of product documentation, user guides, and online help systems used by company’s customers; and collaborate with application development and project management teams to develop project documentation as well as create and edit Help Online systems, user guides, and training materials.
GIS Coordinators supervise technicians in the development and application of geographical technology, verify the accuracy of source documents, and create and maintain the GIS database.
Education and Training
GIS personnel involved in map making often have a bachelor’s or graduate degree in geography. Other common degree subjects are urban planning, resource management, environmental science, and forestry. Each of these subjects usually includes coursework in GIS and geometry. Knowledge of computer science and programming is an added advantage. They can earn an associate degree or certificate in GIS. The American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing offer certifications in GIS Mapping Scientist or GIS Mapping Technician. The GIS Certification Institute also offers certifications. Technical skills are needed for marketing or environmental science. The skills required for a specific job depend on your GIS career path. Many GIS jobs are technical and requirement of skills depend on company’s profile.
Employment and Earnings
BLS classifies GIS analysts into different occupations. GIS analysts are classified into cartographers, geographers, computer applications software engineers, or database administrators. As per survey done by PayScale the median salary ranges from $42,500 to $58,700 depending upon skills and experience.
A GIS career is very exciting and has a tremendous opportunity in every field from basic sciences to the application level. Once you’ve finished your coursework and gotten experience, there are job sites on the internet specializing exclusively in GIS employment opportunities. So create your CV and cover letter and hit the internet. Aim for jobs that meet your education and experience level. GIS is a rapidly developing field. Keep yourself up-to-date.
