Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians
15-1299.02
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.
Sample of reported job titles: Geographic Information System Analyst (GIS Analyst), Geographic Information Systems Administrator (GIS Administrator), Geographic Information Systems Analyst (GIS Analyst), Geographic Information Systems Coordinator (GIS Coordinator), GIS Specialist (Geographic Information Systems Specialist), GIS Technician (Geographic Information Systems Technician), Resource Analyst
Occupation-Specific Information
Tasks
- 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.
Technology Skills
- Analytical or scientific software - Agronomic modeling software; Coordinate geometry COGO software; ESRI ArcGIS ArcPy; ESRI ArcGIS Survey 123; Hydrological modeling software; Landmark Graphics GeoGraphix; SAS π₯; The MathWorks MATLAB π₯
- Application server software - Docker π₯; GitHub π₯; Kubernetes π₯
- Business intelligence and data analysis software - Tableau π₯
- Cloud-based data access and sharing software - Microsoft SharePoint π₯
- Cloud-based management software - IBM WebSphere
-
Computer aided design CAD software -
Autodesk AutoCAD
; Autodesk Land Desktop; Bentley MicroStation π₯; Computer aided design and drafting software CADD
- Content workflow software - Atlassian JIRA π₯
- Data base management system software - Microsoft SQL Server π₯; Oracle PL/SQL π₯; Relational database management software; Relational database management system RDMS; Teradata Database π₯
- Data base reporting software - SAP BusinessObjects Crystal Reports
-
Data base user interface and query software -
ADO.NET; Amazon Web Services AWS software π₯; Autodesk Topobase; dBASE; Microsoft Access ; National Land Cover Database NLCD; ServiceNow π₯; Soil Survey Geographic SSURGO; State Soil Geographic STATSGO Database; Structured query language SQL ; Transact-SQL π₯
- Development environment software - Adobe ActionScript; ArcGIS Web AppBuilder; C π₯; Formula translation/translator FORTRAN; Go π₯; List processing language LISP; Microsoft .NET Framework π₯; Microsoft Azure DevOps Services; Microsoft Azure software π₯; Microsoft Visual Basic π₯; Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBA π₯; Microsoft Visual Basic Scripting Edition VBScript; Microsoft Visual Studio π₯; Software development tools; Software libraries; Web application software
- Document management software - Adobe Acrobat π₯; Microsoft Office SharePoint Server MOSS
-
Electronic mail software -
Email software; Microsoft Outlook
- Enterprise application integration software - Enterprise application integration EAI software; Extensible markup language XML π₯; Jenkins CI π₯
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software - Management information systems MIS; Microsoft Dynamics π₯; SAP software π₯
- File versioning software - Git π₯
-
Geographic information system -
ESRI ArcEditor; ESRI ArcGIS Geostatistical Analyst; ESRI ArcGIS software ; ESRI ArcGIS Spatial Analyst; ESRI ArcIMS; ESRI ArcInfo; ESRI ArcPad; ESRI ArcSDE; ESRI ArcView; Geographic information system GIS software; Geographic information system GIS systems; Google Earth Pro; QGIS
- Graphics or photo imaging software - Adobe Creative Cloud software π₯; Adobe Illustrator π₯; Adobe Photoshop π₯
- Internet browser software - Web browser software
- Map creation software - CDA International Manifold System; ITT Visual Information Solutions ENVI; Leica Geosystems ERDAS IMAGINE; RockWare ArcMap; Trimble Pathfinder Office
- Mobile location based services software - Global positioning system GPS software
-
Object or component oriented development software -
C# π₯; C++ π₯; jQuery π₯; Oracle Java π₯; Perl π₯; Python ; R π₯; Sun Microsystems Java; TypeScript π₯
- Object oriented data base management software - PostgreSQL π₯
-
Office suite software -
Google Workspace software π₯; Microsoft Office software
- Operating system software - Apple iOS π₯; Job control language JCL; Linux π₯; Operating system software; Shell script π₯; UNIX π₯
-
Presentation software -
Microsoft PowerPoint
- Process mapping and design software - Microsoft Visio π₯
- Requirements analysis and system architecture software - Unified modeling language UML
-
Spreadsheet software -
Microsoft Excel
- Video creation and editing software - Adobe After Effects π₯
- Web page creation and editing software - Adobe Dreamweaver
-
Web platform development software -
Autodesk MapGuide; Bootstrap π₯; Cascading style sheets CSS π₯; Drupal π₯; Ext JS; Google Angular π₯; Hypertext markup language HTML ; JavaScript ; JavaScript Object Notation JSON π₯; LAMP Stack; Microsoft ASP.NET π₯; Node.js π₯; Oracle JavaServer Pages JSP π₯; PHP π₯; React π₯; RESTful API
- Word processing software - Microsoft OneNote; Microsoft Word π₯
Occupational Requirements
Work Activities
- Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
- Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
- Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
- Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
- Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
- Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
- Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
- Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
- Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
- Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
- Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
- Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
- Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
- Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
- Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
- Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
- Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Detailed Work Activities
- Prepare graphics or other visual representations of information.
- Prepare analytical reports.
- Create databases to store electronic data.
- Update computer database information.
- Provide technical support for software maintenance or use.
- Design software applications.
- Write computer programming code.
- Evaluate data quality.
- Develop scientific or mathematical models.
- Analyze data to identify trends or relationships among variables.
- Prepare data for analysis.
- Coordinate project activities with other personnel or departments.
- Test software performance.
- Design computer modeling or simulation programs.
- Document technical specifications or requirements.
- Troubleshoot issues with computer applications or systems.
- Collaborate with others to resolve information technology issues.
- Develop models of information or communications systems.
- Recommend changes to improve computer or information systems.
- Collaborate with others to determine design specifications or details.
- Train others in computer interface or software use.
- Analyze Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data for use in green applications.
- Conduct research to gain information about products or processes.
- Design integrated computer systems.
- Update knowledge about emerging industry or technology trends.