GIS Technologists & Technicians: Geographic Info Careers

Also called: CADD GIS Technician (Computer-Aided Design and Drafting Geographic Information Systems Technician), Cartographic Technician, Conversion Specialist, Field GIS Technician (Field Geographic Information Systems Technician), Geographic Information System Analyst (GIS Analyst)

GIS Technologists & Technicians: Geographic Info Careers

Varies

estimated salary

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.

  • Produce data layers, maps, tables, or reports, using spatial analysis procedures or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, equipment, or systems.
  • Design or prepare graphic representations of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data, using GIS hardware or software applications.
  • Maintain or modify existing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases.
  • Provide technical expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to clients or users.
  • Perform 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.
  • 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.
  • Review existing or incoming data for currency, accuracy, usefulness, quality, or completeness of documentation.
  • Perform geospatial data building, modeling, or analysis, using advanced spatial analysis, data manipulation, or cartography software.
  • Design or coordinate the development of integrated Geographic Information Systems (GIS) spatial or non-spatial databases.
  • Perform integrated or computerized Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analyses to address scientific problems.
  • Select cartographic elements needed for effective presentation of information.
  • Provide technical support to users or clients regarding the maintenance, development, or operation of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases, equipment, or applications.
  • Collect, compile, or integrate Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data, such as remote sensing or cartographic data for inclusion in map manuscripts.
  • Interpret aerial or ortho photographs.
  • Meet with clients to discuss topics such as technical specifications, customized solutions, or operational problems.
  • Document, design, code, or test Geographic Information Systems (GIS) models, internet mapping solutions, or other applications.
  • Create, analyze, report, convert, or transfer data, using specialized applications program software.
  • Confer with users to analyze, configure, or troubleshoot applications.
  • Design, program, or model Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications or procedures.
  • Develop specialized computer software routines, internet-based Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases, or business applications to customize geographic information.
  • Make recommendations regarding upgrades, considering implications of new or revised Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, equipment, or applications.
  • Assist users in formulating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) requirements or understanding the implications of alternatives.
  • Create visual representations of geospatial data, using complex procedures such as analytical modeling, three-dimensional renderings, or plot creation.
  • Transfer or rescale information from original photographs onto maps or other photographs.
  • Prepare training materials for, or make presentations to, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) users.
  • Apply three-dimensional (3D) or four-dimensional (4D) technologies to geospatial data to allow for new or different analyses or applications.
  • Conduct research, data analysis, systems design, or support for software such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or Global Positioning Systems (GPS) mapping software.
  • Read current literature, talk with colleagues, continue education, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, equipment, or systems.
  • Recommend procedures, equipment, or software upgrades to increase data accessibility or ease of use.
Work Context
  • Electronic Mail
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  • Spend Time Sitting
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  • Telephone
  • Face-to-Face Discussions
  • Work With Work Group or Team
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Work Activities
  • Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  • Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Prepare graphics or other visual representations of information.
  • Prepare analytical reports.
  • Prepare graphics or other visual representations of information.
  • Create databases to store electronic data.
  • Update computer database information.
  • Provide technical support for software maintenance or use.
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Knowledge

Geography
  • Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Computers and Electronics
  • Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
English Language
  • Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Skills

Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking
  • Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Speaking
  • Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Complex Problem Solving
  • Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
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Abilities

Inductive Reasoning
  • The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Written Comprehension
  • The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Near Vision
  • The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Expression
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Development environment software
  • Microsoft Visual Basic Hot Technology
  • Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBA Hot Technology
  • Microsoft Visual Basic Scripting Edition VBScript Hot Technology
  • Microsoft .NET Framework Hot Technology
  • Microsoft Visual Studio Hot Technology
  • C
  • List processing language LISP
  • Formula translation/translator FORTRAN
  • Adobe Systems Adobe ActionScript
Enterprise application integration software
  • IBM WebSphere Hot Technology
  • Extensible markup language XML Hot Technology
Web platform development software
  • Hypertext markup language HTML Hot Technology
  • Oracle JavaServer Pages JSP Hot Technology
  • PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor Hot Technology
  • JavaScript Hot Technology
  • Microsoft ASP.NET Hot Technology
  • Drupal Hot Technology
  • Cascading Style Sheets CSS Hot Technology
  • Autodesk MapGuide
  • Ext JS
  • LAMP Stack
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