Geospatial analysts collect and analyze real-time geographic positioning information, entering it into a database for use by various organizations. They require a degree in a related field and knowledge of environmental modeling, computer science, and geographic information systems. Their work can be used for utility planning, property assessments, environmental analysis, and transportation planning.
A geospatial analyst collects and analyzes real-time geographic positioning information from global positioning systems (GPS) information and raw data collected from positioning satellites. This data is entered into a database for use by government agencies, private companies, the military, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Many employers require their geospatial analysts to have a college degree, but they also offer on-the-job guidance and training. Those working as geospatial analysts must be familiar with environmental modeling, computer science, geographic information systems, and other related disciplines. A geospatial analyst can also collect and analyze data used to provide a variety of types of information, from damage caused by a tornado to the total number of foreclosures in a specific area.
Most professionals working in this position hold a master’s degree in cartographic science, civil engineering, computer science, or geographic information systems (GIS); however, some geospatial analysts only hold a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline. Two or more years of experience in geographic information systems or a related technical field may also be required. Those with previous experience as surveyors, cartographers, draftsmen, geologists and engineers make the best geospatial analysts. Some employers offer on-the-job training and mentoring programs to train geospatial analysts while on the job.
A geospatial analyst knows a lot about geocoding, the process of accurately entering the longitude and latitude of multiple locations into a single database used to create the maps used with common geographic information systems such as global positioning systems (GPS) . With their computer science background, they can use printed maps or electronic map templates to collect and analyze this geographic information. This process requires a lot of time, in addition to environmental modeling knowledge. Those who do this should use their best efforts to ensure that the geographic information collected and entered is as accurate as possible. A good example of the kind of work produced by this collected geographic information can be seen by anyone using Google Maps or Microsoft Earth.
Information collected by a geospatial analyst can be used in a variety of ways, including utility planning, property assessments, marketing, environmental analysis, and transportation planning for roads and highways. Meteorologists use the vast amount of information collected by geospatial analysts to create images that show damage from hurricanes and tornadoes. GIS data and images are also used to monitor melting icebergs and track beachline deterioration, which can help determine how quickly the oceans may be warming. Information collected by geospatial analysts and stored in a GIS database can also be used to locate buried cables, home foreclosures, or information about population demographics in a given geographic area. This geospatial information can be manipulated and presented through electronic images, 3D images, maps, tables and graphs.
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