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Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist

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What Does it Take to Be a Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist?

Example of Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist Job Research or develop geospatial technologies. May produce databases, perform applications programming, or coordinate projects. May specialize in areas such as agriculture, mining, health care, retail trade, urban planning, or military intelligence.

Daily Life Of a Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist

  • Coordinate the development or administration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) projects, including the development of technical priorities, client reporting and interface, or coordination and review of schedules and budgets.
  • Apply three-dimensional (3D) or four-dimensional (4D) technologies to geospatial data to allow for new or different analyses or applications.
  • Develop specialized computer software routines, internet-based Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases, or business applications to customize geographic information.
  • Provide technical support for computer-based Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping software.
  • Assist users in formulating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) requirements or understanding the implications of alternatives.
  • Collect, compile, or integrate Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data, such as remote sensing or cartographic data for inclusion in map manuscripts.

Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist Needed Skills

Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

  • Resource Analyst
  • Geographic Information Systems Geographer (GIS Geographer)
  • Geographic Information Systems Scientist (GIS Scientist)
  • Geospatial Information Scientist
  • Geographic Information Systems Data Administrator (GIS Data Administrator)

Is There Going to be Demand for Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists?

There were about 287,200 jobs for Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 9.3% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 26,600 new jobs for Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist by 2026. The BLS estimates 22,400 yearly job openings in this field.

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The states with the most job growth for Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist are Washington, Utah, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Maryland, or Mississippi. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Average Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists Salary

The typical yearly salary for Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists is somewhere between $47,350 and $144,820.

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Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists who work in District of Columbia, Maryland, or New Hampshire, make the highest salaries.

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists in different U.S. states.

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $87,060
Alaska $98,830
Arizona $85,010
Arkansas $73,670
California $103,270
Colorado $102,470
Connecticut $100,340
District of Columbia $117,540
Florida $78,900
Georgia $90,140
Hawaii $89,960
Idaho $80,610
Indiana $79,310
Iowa $78,810
Kansas $79,300
Kentucky $79,420
Louisiana $66,600
Maine $79,790
Maryland $113,330
Massachusetts $92,110
Michigan $76,400
Minnesota $81,650
Mississippi $81,280
Missouri $82,610
Montana $68,430
Nebraska $86,230
Nevada $72,610
New Hampshire $112,440
New Jersey $99,210
New Mexico $79,540
New York $90,750
North Carolina $88,650
North Dakota $70,730
Ohio $82,440
Oklahoma $78,490
Oregon $79,610
Pennsylvania $87,040
Rhode Island $81,290
South Carolina $92,100
South Dakota $81,250
Tennessee $74,000
Texas $90,290
Utah $76,890
Vermont $72,220
Virginia $105,270
Washington $91,620
West Virginia $83,660
Wisconsin $74,600
Wyoming $75,780

What Tools & Technology do Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Hypertext markup language HTML
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Web browser software
  • Python
  • Microsoft Access
  • Data entry software
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
  • Structured query language SQL
  • The MathWorks MATLAB
  • SAS
  • Microsoft Visual Basic
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
  • Extensible markup language XML
  • Microsoft SQL Server
  • UNIX

How do I Become a Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist?

What education or degrees do I need to become a Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist?

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What work experience do I need to become a Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist?

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Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists Sector

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Below are examples of industries where Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists work:

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Those interested in being a Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist may also be interested in:

Are you already one of the many Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:

References:

Image Credit: Negative Space via CC0 License

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