Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians

What the job really is

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.

At a glance

• Sector: Computer & Mathematical
• O*NET-SOC code: 15-1299
• O*NET job zone: 3 — medium preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• 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.

Tools and technology

Adobe Acrobat, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Creative Cloud software, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Amazon Web Services AWS software, Apple iOS, Atlassian JIRA, Autodesk AutoCAD, Bentley MicroStation, Bootstrap, C

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Surveying and Mapping Technicians
• Data Scientists
• Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
• Geographers
• Geodetic Surveyors
• Database Architects
• Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists
• Computer Systems Analysts

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 3 (medium preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.