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Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist

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What Do Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist Do?

Job Description: 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.

Life As a Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist: What Do They Do?

  • 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.
  • Provide technical support for computer-based Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping software.
  • Create visual representations of geospatial data, using complex procedures such as analytical modeling, three-dimensional renderings, or plot creation.
  • Produce data layers, maps, tables, or reports, using spatial analysis procedures or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, equipment, or systems.
  • Make recommendations regarding upgrades, considering implications of new or revised Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, equipment, or applications.
  • 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.

Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist Required Skills

When polled, Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:

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

Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

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.

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.

  • Geospatial Information Scientist
  • Imagery Analyst
  • Geospatial Intelligence Subject Matter Expert
  • Geographic Information Systems Developer (GIS Developer)
  • Geographic Information Systems Application Specialist (GIS Application Specialist)

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.

Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist Salary

The average yearly salary of a Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist ranges 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.

How much do Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists make in each U.S. state?

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 do Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists may use on a daily basis:

  • 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?

Individuals working as a Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist have obtained the following education levels:

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

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Who Employs Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists?

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Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists work in the following industries:

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Those thinking about becoming a Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist might also be interested in the following careers:

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

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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