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Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist

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What You Need to Know About Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist

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.

List of Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist Job Duties

  • Provide technical support for computer-based Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping software.
  • Develop new applications for geospatial technology in areas such as farmland preservation, pollution measurement, or utilities operations management.
  • Produce data layers, maps, tables, or reports, using spatial analysis procedures or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, equipment, or systems.
  • Lead, train, or supervise technicians or related staff in the conduct of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analytical procedures.
  • Perform integrated or computerized Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analyses to address scientific problems.
  • Create, analyze, report, convert, or transfer data, using specialized applications program software.

What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist?

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.

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.

Other Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist Job Titles

  • Resource Analyst
  • Geographic Information Systems Data Manager (GIS Data Manager)
  • Geographic Information Systems Director (GIS Director)
  • Geospatial Specialist
  • Geospatial Technologist

Job Outlook 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 22,400 job openings in this field each year.

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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.

What is the Average Salary of a Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist

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.

How much do Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists make 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 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

Becoming a Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist

What education is needed to be 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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Those interested in being a Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist may also be interested in:

Those who work as a Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:

References:

Image Credit: Negative Space via CC0 License

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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