How to Be GIS Specialist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 11, 2023 / 4 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The increased prevalence of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) has led to a growing demand for GIS specialists. GIS specialists are highly sought-after professionals who possess a unique combination of technical and analytical skills that enable them to effectively manage, analyze, and visualize geographic data. As a result, GIS specialists are increasingly being hired by organizations across a wide range of industries, such as government agencies, transportation systems, insurance companies, and retail businesses.

GIS specialists possess the ability to create detailed maps and 3D models that allow stakeholders to better understand their data and make more informed decisions. Therefore, the need for GIS specialists is expected to continue to grow in the coming years as organizations rely more heavily on geographic information in their operations.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a degree. Pursue a degree in geographic information systems (GIS) or a related field such as geography, cartography, computer science, engineering, or math.
Gain experience. Participate in internships or volunteer opportunities to gain hands-on experience with GIS technology.
Get certified. Pursue a certification in GIS, such as the GIS Professional (GISP) certification offered by the GIS Certification Institute.
Develop your skills. Take advantage of continuing education and professional development opportunities to stay up-to-date on the latest technology and trends in GIS.
Network. Connect with other GIS professionals in your area or online to build relationships and expand your network.
Get hired. Apply for entry-level GIS positions or pursue a job as a consultant or contractor.

In order to stay up to date and capable as a GIS specialist, it is important to stay informed of the latest industry trends and technological advancements. This can include attending workshops and seminars, attending conferences, and keeping up to date with industry news and publications. Additionally, it is important to stay abreast of the latest software and hardware tools, as well as developing and maintaining strong technical skills. By doing these things, GIS professionals will be able to remain current in their field and have the ability to effectively use the latest tools to their advantage.

You may want to check Photogrammetrist, Archaeometallurgist, and Archaeology Surveyor for alternative.

Job Description

GIS Analyst
GIS Developer
GIS Technician
GIS Cartographer
GIS Project Manager
GIS Coordinator
GIS Application Developer
GIS Consultant
GIS Database Administrator
GIS Systems Administrator

Skills and Competencies to Have

Strong GIS software knowledge and experience, including ESRI ArcGIS, ArcGIS Pro, and QGIS.
Proficiency in geospatial analysis, data manipulation, data management, and map production.
Ability to work with spatial databases and related technologies, such as PostGIS and SQL.
Experience in a variety of remote sensing technologies, including LiDAR and drone data.
Knowledge of GIS programming languages, such as Python, JavaScript, and HTML.
Ability to develop custom tools and applications using GIS software.
Knowledge of cartography principles and best practices.
Ability to interpret geographic data and develop effective visualizations.
Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Having the right skills as a GIS specialist is essential to success in this field. GIS specialists must have a deep knowledge of geospatial analysis and a strong understanding of geographic information systems (GIS). They must be able to use various software applications to create and manipulate spatial data, interpret maps, and analyze geographical information.

GIS specialists must have strong data management skills, be able to communicate effectively, and be able to solve complex problems. Good problem-solving skills are essential in order to identify trends and patterns in spatial data. Furthermore, the ability to work with large datasets and quickly identify patterns is important for meeting deadlines.

Finally, GIS specialists must be knowledgeable about global trends in the GIS industry and be able to use the latest technologies to keep up with the ever-changing landscape. In short, having the right skills as a GIS specialist is essential for success in this field.

Zooarchaeologist, Geomorphologist, and Field Supervisor are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience have you had with geographic information systems?
How do you ensure accuracy and accuracy of GIS data?
How do you maintain the integrity of a GIS database?
Describe a project you have worked on that required GIS software.
What are some common GIS data formats you are familiar with?
How do you handle data management and analysis of large datasets?
What methods do you use for geospatial analysis?
Describe your experience with creating maps and graphics for presentation.
What challenges have you encountered when working with GIS software?
How do you keep up with the latest GIS technologies and trends?

Common Tools in Industry

ArcGIS. ArcGIS is a geographic information system (GIS) software package used to create, analyze, and manage geographic data. (eg: creating maps from data, analyzing population trends).
QGIS. QGIS is an open source GIS software used for viewing, editing, and analyzing geospatial data. (eg: creating heat maps, analyzing land cover changes).
Global Mapper. Global Mapper is a GIS data processing and analysis software used for editing and managing geographic data. (eg: creating 3D models, analyzing elevation data).
Geocoding. Geocoding is the process of taking street addresses and turning them into geographic coordinates. (eg: mapping customer locations, plotting points on a map).
GPS. GPS stands for Global Positioning System and is primarily used to determine location on the Earth's surface. (eg: tracking field crews, determining distances between two points).
Remote Sensing. Remote Sensing is the use of satellites or other devices to collect information about an area from a distance. (eg: monitoring deforestation, gathering land use data).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association of Geographers
American Geophysical Union
Association of American Geographers
Association of Pacific Coast Geographers
Esri User Group Network
Geo-Institute of the American Society of Civil Engineers
GIS Certification Institute
International Association for Geographic Information Science
Open Geospatial Consortium
Urban and Regional Information Systems Association

We also have Field Technician, Anthropologist, and Site Manager jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Cartography. The art and science of representing geographic information in a visual form, such as a map or graph.
GIS (Geographic Information System). A computer system designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and visualize all types of geographical data.
Remote Sensing. The acquisition of data about an object or area from a distance, usually from an aerial or satellite platform.
Geospatial Analysis. The process of analyzing geographic data to draw conclusions about the relationships between different features or objects in space.
GPS (Global Positioning System). A satellite-based navigation system used to determine the precise location of objects on the Earths surface.
Spatial Data Modeling. The development of digital models of real-world processes and phenomena that involve spatial relationships.
Database Management. The organization, storage, and maintenance of data in a database format.
Programming. The process of writing code to create software applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are needed to become a GIS Specialist?

To become a GIS Specialist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in geographic information systems (GIS), geography, computer science, or a related field.

What skills are required to be a successful GIS Specialist?

Successful GIS Specialists should have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent communication and collaboration skills, and experience with spatial analysis and mapping software.

What are the primary responsibilities of a GIS Specialist?

The primary responsibilities of a GIS Specialist include collecting and analyzing spatial data, creating and maintaining maps, developing geographic databases, and providing technical support.