How to Be Geographic Information Scientist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 9, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

Geographic Information Scientists (GIS) play an important role in helping to solve complex problems related to the environment, urban planning, and natural resources. They use geographic information systems (GIS) to analyze data, create maps, and develop plans to address problems. Through the use of GIS, they are able to understand how climate change, population growth, and development can impact the environment.

For example, GIS can be used to track changes in air and water quality over time, analyze the effects of land use on wildlife habitats, and monitor the spread of disease. GIS can also help identify areas of risk for natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes. By analyzing the data, GIS scientists can develop plans to prevent or mitigate the impacts of these events.

In addition, GIS can assist in the development of efficient transportation networks and help identify areas for urban renewal projects. GIS scientists are essential for understanding and responding to the many challenges facing our world today.

Steps How to Become

Start by earning a bachelor's degree in geography, computer science, or a related field.
Consider obtaining certifications such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Professional, Certified GIS Professional, or Remote Sensing Certified Professional.
Pursue a master's degree in Geographic Information Science (GIS).
Participate in internships or volunteer opportunities in GIS to gain practical experience.
Build up your professional portfolio by providing GIS services to organizations and clients.
Seek employment as a GIS analyst, data scientist, or geographic information scientist.
Network with other GIS professionals and continue to learn new software and technologies.
Consider becoming certified as an Esri Technology Associate or Esri Desktop Professional.
Pursue additional certifications, such as Esri Certified Professional or Esri Technology Professional, to demonstrate your expertise in the field.

Geographic Information Scientists (GIS) are highly skilled and competent professionals who use advanced technologies and tools to analyze and manipulate geographical data. They acquire, store, process, analyze, and visualize data from various sources such as satellite imagery, aerial photography, remote sensing systems, and geographic information systems. GIS is used to assess the impact of land use and urban planning, to inform decision-making about natural resources, and to develop sustainable strategies for environmental management.

GIS professionals are also responsible for developing cartographic products for use in mapping, navigation, and analysis. The skills and competencies required to be successful in the GIS field include a strong understanding of mathematics, statistics, geography, cartography, computer science, and programming. GIS professionals must also be able to interpret and analyze data, think critically and solve problems, communicate effectively, and stay up-to-date on the latest technologies.

With the right skill set and competencies, GIS professionals can play an important role in helping to shape the world around us.

You may want to check Geology Technician, GIS Technician, and Topographic Surveyor for alternative.

Job Description

Geospatial Analyst
Remote Sensing Scientist
GIS Developer
Cartographer
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Manager
GIS Technician
GIS Consultant
Geospatial Data Scientist
GIS Data Visualizer
Aerial Mapping Specialist

Skills and Competencies to Have

Expert knowledge in GIS software and tools such as ArcGIS, QGIS, MapInfo, and GeoServer
Strong understanding of geospatial analysis techniques and procedures
Ability to create, manage, and analyze digital maps, databases, and aerial imagery
Knowledge of spatial data formats like shapefiles and GeoTIFFs
Understanding of cartographic principles for map design
Proficiency with web mapping technologies such as Leaflet or OpenLayers
Experience with spatial SQL queries, scripting languages (e. g. Python), and data visualization
Knowledge of geographic coordinate systems, projections, and datums
Ability to integrate GIS solutions with enterprise software applications
Familiarity with geospatial data sources and remote sensing technologies

Geographic Information Science (GIS) is a rapidly growing field that combines aspects of computer science, geography, and cartography. As a result, a Geographic Information Scientist must possess a variety of skills in order to be successful. One of the most important skills for a GIS Scientist is a solid understanding of spatial analysis.

By having knowledge of spatial analysis, they can extract, analyze, and interpret geographic data to help design and implement effective solutions to complex problems. GIS Scientists must have strong programming skills in order to create powerful algorithms for managing, manipulating, and visualizing data. They must also be comfortable with databases and have an understanding of the principles of cartography.

With these skills, GIS Scientists are able to identify, process, and present data in ways that enable us to better understand our physical world.

Geographer, Seismologist, and Geological Surveyor are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with geographic information systems?
How do you ensure the accuracy of the data you work with?
Can you explain the concept of spatial data analysis?
What techniques do you use to collect, store, and manage spatial data?
What challenges have you faced while working with geographic information systems?
How do you use the latest technologies to develop geographic information systems?
What methods do you use to visualize and interpret spatial data?
What strategies have you used to reduce inaccuracies in spatial data sets?
How do you stay informed about new developments in geographic information systems?
What experience do you have in creating and designing maps for geographic information systems?

Common Tools in Industry

GIS Software. A software application used to create, analyze, store, and display geographic information. (eg: ArcGIS, QGIS)
GPS. Global Positioning System used to determine location and track movement. (eg: Garmin, TomTom)
Remote Sensing. Collecting data from a distance using specialized sensors. (eg: LiDAR, UAVs)
Geospatial Analysis. Analyzing and interpreting geographic data to reveal patterns and trends. (eg: Kriging, nearest neighbor analysis)
Database Management. Managing, organizing, and storing data in a structured format. (eg: SQL, MongoDB)
Programming Languages. Writing code to develop applications or conduct analysis. (eg: Python, R)
Cartography. Creating maps to represent spatial data. (eg: Mapbox Studio, ESRI ArcGIS Online)
Spatial Statistics. Applying statistical methods to geographic datasets. (eg: Hot Spot Analysis, Regression)
Visualization Tools. Displaying data in a graphical format to improve understanding. (eg: Tableau, Power BI)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association for Geographers
International Association of Geodesy
American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing
Association of American Geographers
International Cartographic Association
International Society for Digital Earth
Urban and Regional Information Systems Association
Open Geospatial Consortium
European Association for Geographic Information
International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing

We also have Glaciologist, Coastal Engineer, and Remote Sensing Analyst jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

GIS (Geographic Information System). A computer-based tool used to capture, store, query, analyze, and display geographically referenced data.
Geocoding. The process of taking an address or other location-based information and converting it into a geographic coordinate or other location-based information such as a latitude and longitude.
Geostatistics. The study of spatial and temporal patterns in data collected at different locations.
Remote Sensing. The collection of data about an object or area from a distance using satellites, aircraft, or other remote sources.
GPS (Global Positioning System). A satellite-based navigation system that provides precise location data and time information to a receiver located anywhere on the Earth's surface.
Spatial Analysis. The study of the pattern, distribution, and structure of features and objects on the earth's surface.
Topographic Mapping. The compilation of maps from aerial photographs, surveys, or other sources that represent the physical features of an area.
Cartography. The art, science, and technology of creating maps.
Photogrammetry. The use of photography to measure distances and angles between objects in order to create accurate maps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Geographic Information Scientist? A1: A Geographic Information Scientist (GIS) is a professional who works with geographic data and technology to help solve problems related to the natural and built environments. Q2: What skills are required to be a GIS? A2: To be a successful GIS professional, one must possess strong problem-solving and analytical skills, as well as knowledge of geography, computer science, mathematics, cartography, and remote sensing. Q3: What types of tasks do GIS professionals perform? A3: GIS professionals perform tasks such as creating and managing geographic data, creating maps, analyzing data for trends and patterns, and providing spatial analysis for decision-making. Q4: What kinds of organizations employ Geographic Information Scientists? A4: Organizations like government agencies, environmental organizations, engineering firms, universities, and private companies often employ GIS professionals. Q5: What is the job outlook for a GIS? A5: The job outlook for GIS professionals is expected to grow 11% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.

Web Resources

Geographic Information Science | Geography Department at the geography.uga.edu
Geographic Information Science - Department of www.buffalo.edu
Geographic Information Science | Geography and Geographic Informati ggis.illinois.edu