How to Be Geospatial Data Manager - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Feb 10, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The need for a Geospatial Data Manager has become increasingly important in the digital world due to the growing need for the collection, management, analysis, and visualization of data. This role is responsible for handling a variety of tasks such as creating and maintaining geospatial databases, developing data models, and creating maps and reports that can be used for decision making. As data becomes more complex and volumes grow, this role is essential in providing organizations with the necessary insights to make informed decisions.

With the advancement of technology, such as GIS and satellite imagery, the ability to access, analyze, and use geospatial data has become increasingly important. Geospatial Data Managers have the ability to bring together data from multiple sources to create comprehensive models and analyses. This provides organizations with a better understanding of their data and helps them make better decisions.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelors Degree. To become a Geospatial Data Manager, one must first obtain a bachelors degree in geography, GIS, or a related field.
Take Additional Coursework. After completing a degree program, Geospatial Data Managers should consider taking additional coursework in the areas of data management, computer science, and statistics.
Obtain Professional Certification. To become a certified Geospatial Data Manager, individuals should pursue certification through the GIS Certification Institute (GISCI).
Complete On-the-Job Training. Most employers provide on-the-job training for new Geospatial Data Managers. This training is typically administered by experienced professionals and can include instruction in GIS software, data analysis, and cartography.
Join Professional Organizations. Joining professional organizations such as the Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA) is a great way for Geospatial Data Managers to network, stay up-to-date on industry trends, and gain access to professional development opportunities.
Stay Up-to-Date on Technology. Geospatial Data Managers must constantly stay up-to-date on the latest technologies and trends in order to remain competitive in the field.

Having the right skills and competencies is essential for any Geospatial Data Manager. Without these, it can be difficult to effectively manage and analyze the vast datasets used in geospatial data analysis. Being knowledgeable in the field of geospatial data management requires a strong understanding of the software programs used to manage and analyze the data.

it is important to have a strong understanding of geographic information systems (GIS), database management, data visualization, and remote sensing technologies. Having a good grasp of these concepts and associated software programs allows the geospatial data manager to effectively gather, store, analyze, and interpret data. Furthermore, they must have a good understanding of the different types of geospatial data such as satellite imagery, aerial photography, topographic data, and demographic data.

This knowledge allows them to effectively use the right tools to manipulate and analyze the data in meaningful ways. this knowledge and skill set will enable a Geospatial Data Manager to provide useful insights from large datasets which can be used to make informed decisions.

You may want to check Geospatial Data Analyst, Geospatial Systems Analyst, and Geospatial Mapping Specialist for alternative.

Job Description

Create, maintain and manage geospatial databases and data layers.
Develop and implement processes to capture geospatial data from various sources.
Analyze geospatial data for accuracy and completeness and make corrections as needed.
Develop geospatial models, tools, and applications for data analysis and mapping.
Create, maintain and update metadata for geospatial datasets.
Provide technical support to end-users of geospatial data.
Develop and implement quality assurance/quality control procedures for geospatial data.
Develop and maintain geospatial data standards and policies.
Create, manage and maintain web-based mapping applications.
Monitor developments in geospatial technology and recommend changes as needed.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of geographic information systems (GIS) software and technologies, such as ESRI ArcGIS, QGIS, and Google Earth.
Proficiency in data manipulation and analysis using GIS software.
Proven experience in managing and organizing geospatial data.
Ability to acquire, verify, transform and maintain geospatial data from multiple sources.
Expertise in developing web-mapping applications and services using GIS software.
Familiarity with cartographic techniques for visualizing geospatial data.
Demonstrated understanding of geospatial data standards and best practices.
Ability to communicate technical and scientific concepts to a diverse audience.
Documenting GIS processes, workflows, and data sources.
Strong problem-solving skills with an emphasis on accuracy and attention to detail.

Geospatial Data Managers are responsible for the management, analysis, and interpretation of geographic data. This requires a variety of specialized skills, such as the ability to interpret and analyze geospatial data, create and maintain database and database applications, and effectively communicate the results of their data analysis. The most important skill that a Geospatial Data Manager must possess is the ability to think spatially.

This involves the ability to recognize patterns and trends in spatial data, to interpret and analyze geospatial data in order to draw meaningful conclusions, and to effectively visualize and communicate these conclusions to others. A Geospatial Data Manager must also possess strong organizational skills in order to organize and manage large datasets, as well as strong technical skills in order to maintain databases and develop database applications. With these skills, Geospatial Data Managers are able to provide invaluable insights into how geographic data can be used to make informed decisions across a variety of industries.

Geospatial Software Engineer, Geospatial Project Manager, and Geospatial Modeler are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with geospatial data?
How familiar are you with different types of geospatial data formats?
What software and tools do you use to manage geospatial data?
How confident are you in your ability to interpret and analyze geospatial data?
Describe a project you have managed or worked on involving geospatial data.
Describe the strategies you use to ensure data accuracy and integrity.
What processes do you have in place to update geospatial data?
How do you prioritize tasks when managing large datasets?
How do you stay up to date with new technologies related to geospatial data management?
What challenges have you faced when working with geospatial data, and how did you solve them?

Common Tools in Industry

ArcGIS. GIS software package used to create and manage geographic data. (eg: creating detailed maps and analyzing spatial data)
QGIS. Cross-platform, open-source GIS software with a user-friendly interface. (eg: importing, analyzing, and visualizing geospatial data)
GRASS GIS. Open-source GIS software for geospatial data analysis. (eg: creating digital elevation models, 3D surface models, and terrain analysis)
GeoServer. Open-source server used to manage, share, and publish geographic data. (eg: creating interactive web-based mapping applications)
Mapbox. Cloud-based mapping platform with custom cartography tools. (eg: building interactive maps with custom styles and data layers)
PostGIS. Spatial database extender that adds support for geographic objects. (eg: storing and querying geographic data in a PostgreSQL database)
FME. Data transformation and integration software for spatial data. (eg: converting GIS data into other formats and merging multiple datasets)
TerraGo Toolbar. Desktop application for collecting and editing geospatial data. (eg: creating detailed vector maps and collecting feature data in the field)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Geophysical Union
American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing
European Association of Remote Sensing Laboratories
International Association of Geodesy
International Society for Digital Earth
Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry Society
International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing
International Cartographic Association
Association of American Geographers
United Nations Global Geospatial Information Management

We also have Geospatial Applications Developer, Geospatial Engineer, and Geospatial Scientist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

GIS. Geographic Information System. A computer system used to store, manipulate and analyze geographic information.
GPS. Global Positioning System. A satellite-based navigation system used to determine the precise location of a person or object on the Earths surface.
Remote Sensing. The process of collecting data about an object or environment utilizing sensors or imaging devices from a distance.
Spatial Analysis. The use of statistical techniques to study the spatial relationships between features in a given area.
Geoprocessing. A set of methods used to analyze and interpret geographic data stored in GIS systems.
Cartography. The art and science of creating maps.
Geodatabase. A database specifically designed for storing and manipulating geographic data.
Geostatistics. A branch of statistics which uses spatial data to study and predict patterns in the physical world.
Metadata. Data that provides information about other data, such as its origin, format, and purpose.
Web GIS. A system used to deliver maps and geographic information via a website or other online interface.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Geospatial Data Manager?

A Geospatial Data Manager is a professional who is responsible for managing, organizing and maintaining geospatial data and associated metadata.

What type of data does a Geospatial Data Manager work with?

A Geospatial Data Manager typically works with geographic information systems (GIS) data, such as digital maps and imagery, cadastral data, remote sensing data, elevation data, and more.

What skills are required to be a successful Geospatial Data Manager?

A successful Geospatial Data Manager must have strong knowledge of GIS software and tools, database management, metadata creation, data analysis techniques, and data visualization techniques.

What are some of the roles that a Geospatial Data Manager may have?

A Geospatial Data Manager may have roles such as GIS Analyst, Database Administrator, Remote Sensing Analyst, Cartographer, and Data Scientist.

How can a Geospatial Data Manager help organizations?

A Geospatial Data Manager can help organizations by organizing and maintaining their geospatial data so it can be used for decisions, analysis, and visualizations. They can also use their skills to create meaningful insights through data analysis and provide decision makers with the information they need.