All About Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists
Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist Definition 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
- Design, program, or model Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications or procedures.
- Develop new applications for geospatial technology in areas such as farmland preservation, pollution measurement, or utilities operations management.
- Conduct or coordinate research, data analysis, systems design, or support for software such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or Global Positioning Systems (GPS) mapping software.
- 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.
- Provide technical expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to clients or users.
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Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist Skills
These are the skills Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists say are the most useful in their careers:
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 Analyst (GIS Analyst)
- Geographic Information Systems Engineer (GIS Engineer)
- Geospatial Program Management Officer
- Geospatial Intelligence Subject Matter Expert
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. There will be an estimated 22,400 positions for Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist per year.
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 Average Salary
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?
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 to Become a Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist
What education or degrees do I need to become a Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist?
Who Employs Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists?
Below are examples of industries where Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists work:
Related Careers
Those interested in being a Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist may also be interested in:
Career changers with experience as a Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
Image Credit: Negative Space via CC0 License
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