Nature of the Work

Geographic information systems (GIS) technicians are professionals who convert the information found in topographical maps, geographical surveys, satellite images, fieldwork, and other sources into data that is correlated to location. Because GIS technicians work with organizing and storing large amounts of data, they design and develop databases to house data. They work with scientists and clients to update GIS databases and analyze the data to find out how geographical elements relate. GIS technicians develop computer programs for their employers or clients that query GIS systems for pertinent data and correlations. They can also train their clients to use the computer programs or tools that they create. GIS technicians physically make maps to share the data that they have collected, either from the field, or from querying GIS systems. They share these maps with their employers and their clients.

GIS technicians work on projects across a wide spectrum. For example, GIS technicians are involved in creating navigation systems, real-estate mapping, military surveillance, and site selection for buildings. In order to be able to do their job well, GIS technicians must be familiar with GIS software and hardware tools. GIS technicians must be proficient at drafting, computer-aided design and drafting (CADD), SQL language, and ArcGIS (a suite of GIS software). They use large-format printers, scanners, and plotters.

Wesley Catanzaro is a geographic information systems analyst with the Department of Public Health in San Francisco. In this video, he describes what he does during a typical day and talks about how maps are used to convey real-world phenomena.

Work Environment

GIS technicians are usually employed in clean, well-lit, and well-ventilated offices. They work with computers and automated mapping equipment. The work often involves long hours in front of a computer screen, using a keyboard and a mouse. Some GIS professionals collect data via fieldwork outdoors. GIS technicians generally work 40 hours a week. Longer hours and workweeks are not uncommon.

GIS technicians are employed in a variety of industries including the private sector, the military, and the federal government.

Training, Other Qualifications

GIS technicians should continue to take classes and participate in professional seminars in order to keep current in new technologies and practices in their field.

Education and Training

The minimum degree required to gain an entry-level position as a GIS technician is a bachelor's degree in geographic information systems, geography, cartography, or related field. Candidates who have internships in cartography or GIS, or who have experience with mapping or surveying, have an edge when seeking employment.

On the Job

• Design or coordinate the development of integrated GIS spatial or non-spatial databases.
• Design or prepare graphic representations of GIS data using GIS hardware or software applications.
• Enter data into GIS databases using techniques such as coordinate geometry, keyboard entry of tabular data, manual digitizing of maps, scanning or automatic conversion to vectors, and conversion of other sources of digital data.
• Maintain or modify existing GIS databases.
• Perform geospatial data building, modeling, or analysis using advanced spatial analysis, data manipulation, or cartography software.
• Analyze GIS data to identify spatial relationships or display results of analyses using maps, graphs, or tabular data.
• Interpret aerial or ortho photographs.
• Review existing or incoming data for currency, accuracy, usefulness, quality, or completeness of documentation.
• Transfer or rescale information from original photographs onto maps or other photographs.
• Select cartographic elements needed for effective presentation of information.
• Confer with users to analyze, configure, or troubleshoot applications.
• Read current literature, talk with colleagues, continue education, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in GIS technology, equipment, or systems.
• Provide technical support to users or clients regarding the maintenance, development, or operation of GIS databases, equipment, or applications.
• Recommend procedures and equipment or software upgrades to increase data accessibility or ease of use.

Companies That Hire Geographic Information Systems Technicians

• ARCADIS
• PG&E
• Resource Data, Inc.

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Additional Information

The following page from ESRI shows how GIS information and software is used in different industries, from education to transportation to urban planning.

• ESRI

Sources

• O*Net Online. (2009). National Center for O*Net Development. Retrieved May 1, 2009, from http://online.onetcenter.org/
• Rosenberg, M. (1997, December 1). An interview with a GIS specialist. About.com. Retrieved June 24, 2011, from geography.about.com/library/weekly/aa120197.htm
• Employment Development Department, State of California. (2002). California occupational guides: geographic information systems specialist. Retrieved May 16, 2011, from www.calmis.ca.gov/file/occguide-archive/geogspec.pdf
• ConnectEd Studios. (2010, November 22). Day in the life: GIS analyst. The California Center for College and Career. Retrieved May 16, 2011, from www.youtube.com/watch?v=rokWdaGc3u4
• Job Profiles. (2011). Geographic information systems technician. Retrieved May 13, 2011, from www.jobprofiles.org/congistech.htm

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