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Geographic Information Systems Technologist

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AVG. SALARY

$96,210

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EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree

What They Do

Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians Career Video

About This Career

Assists 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.

This career is part of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics cluster Engineering and Technology pathway.

A person in this career:

  • Produces data layers, maps, tables, or reports, using spatial analysis procedures or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, equipment, or systems.
  • Designs or prepares graphic representations of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data, using GIS hardware or software applications.
  • Maintains or modifies existing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases.
  • Provides technical expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to clients or users.
  • Performs 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.
  • Enters 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.
  • Reviews existing or incoming data for currency, accuracy, usefulness, quality, or completeness of documentation.
  • Performs geospatial data building, modeling, or analysis, using advanced spatial analysis, data manipulation, or cartography software.
  • Designs or coordinates the development of integrated Geographic Information Systems (GIS) spatial or non-spatial databases.
  • Performs integrated or computerized Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analyses to address scientific problems.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

  • You would sit most of the time. There's some walking and standing. You may have to lift and carry things like books, papers or tools weighing 10 lbs. or less.
  • Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
  • Work in this occupation involves making repetitive motions more than one-third of the time
  • Work in this occupation involves sitting more than one-third of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

  • Seeing clearly up close
  • Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
  • Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

  • Regular working hours and limited travel

Specialty and Similar Careers

Careers that are more detailed or close to this career:

  • Geographic Information System Analyst (GIS Analyst)
  • Geographic Information Systems Administrator (GIS Administrator)
  • Geographic Information Systems Analyst (GIS Analyst) — Works with large databases containing spatial information, such as satellite images and aerial photographs, using this information to make maps or develop specialized software or analyze data for scientific, commercial or planning purposes.
  • Geographic Information Systems Coordinator (GIS Coordinator)
  • Resource Analyst
  • GIS Technician (Geographic Information Systems Technician)
  • GIS Specialist (Geographic Information Systems Specialist)