Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians
In the Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians occupation, workers assist scientists or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems (GIS) databases. O*NET rates it as considerable preparation, which usually means a bachelor’s degree plus a period of work experience. It leans on reading comprehension, critical thinking, and complex problem solving. Expect to review existing or incoming data for currency, accuracy, usefulness, quality, or completeness of documentation. The strongest interest signal is Conventional (5.9 of 7), then Investigative (5.2) and Realistic, which gives it the code CIR. If you want orderly work with data, records and clear procedures, keep it on your list. If you need helping, teaching or caring for people, it may feel thin.
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.
Main tasks
- 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.
Skills
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
Who this career fits
May suit you if
- You like clear rules and getting the details right.
- You enjoy working out why something happens, not just what happened.
- You are ready to spend around four years on a degree, then build experience.
- You are comfortable relying on reading comprehension and critical thinking.
May not suit you if
- You get restless with routine, records and exact procedures.
- You want helping people to be at the center of your work. Social rates 1.9 out of 7 here.
- You want to avoid a four-year degree or its equivalent.
Interest profile
O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code CIR takes the three highest, and Conventional comes first here.
Preparation
Considerable preparation. Most jobs here ask for a bachelor’s degree, and employers usually expect a few years of related experience as well.
Also called
- Geospatial Technician
- GIS Admin (Geographic Information Systems Administrator)
- GIS Analyst (Geographic Information System Analyst)
- GIS Analyst (Geographic Information Systems Analyst)
- GIS Applications Specialist (Geographic Information Systems Applications Specialist)
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.