What is a Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist?
Occupation 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
- 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.
- Create, edit, or analyze geospatial data, using Global Positioning Systems (GPS) or digitizing techniques.
- Conduct feasibility studies or identify system, time, equipment, or cost requirements for projects.
- Perform integrated or computerized Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analyses to address scientific problems.
- 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.
- Develop new applications for geospatial technology in areas such as farmland preservation, pollution measurement, or utilities operations management.
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Things a Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist Should Know How to Do
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.
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Geographic Information Systems Data Manager (GIS Data Manager)
- Geographic Information Systems Scientist (GIS Scientist)
- Geographic Information Systems Administrator (GIS Administrator)
- Geographic Information Systems Developer (GIS Developer)
- Geographic Information Systems Technologist (GIS Technologist)
Job 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.
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.
Salary for a Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist
The typical yearly salary for Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists is somewhere between $47,350 and $144,820.
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?
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 is needed to be a Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist?
What work experience do I need to become a Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist?
Where Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists Are Employed
Below are examples of industries where Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists work:
Related Careers
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:
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