A GIS specialist uses software and technology to create and maintain maps and data. Employers prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree or GIS certificates, and the specialist needs good geographic, analytical, mathematical, and computer science skills.
A geographic information systems (GIS) specialist is a person who uses software and various types of technology to create and maintain maps and related data. This person may also have responsibility for rendering, analyzing, and manipulating a variety of geospatial data. The requirements that a person will need to meet to become a GIS specialist may depend on the employer with which he or she seeks employment. Many employers prefer candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree or GIS certificates, however.
An individual who becomes a GIS specialist may be called upon to perform a wide range of tasks, and the specific tasks he will have will depend on where and by whom he is employed. This person can use special GIS software and tools to create maps and graphs. It can also perform searches to find existing databases, collect and analyze spatial data, and determine how to integrate the data and display it. An individual in this field can also analyze data to obtain geographic statistics that can be included in various types of documents. Often a person in this field uses plotters, digitizers, GIS software and hardware, printers and video cameras while performing their job.
To become a GIS specialist, a person typically completes a GIS certificate program or earns a bachelor’s degree in geography, GIS, environmental science, or a related course. Many employers favor hiring individuals who have earned a bachelor’s degree in geography or GIS, rather than certificates. However, there are some employers who may be willing to hire candidates who do not hold a degree or certificate, provided they have several years of GIS experience.
In addition to a degree, certificate or experience, a person wanting to become a GIS specialist may also need other qualifications. A person pursuing this career typically needs good geographic skills, including the ability to describe locations and land, sea, and air features. He should normally have good verbal and written skills to communicate GIS information to non-technical people. Analytical and mathematical skills are needed to perform tasks in this field, as are skills in gathering and requesting information. In addition, it is sometimes necessary for a person who wants to become a GIS expert to have computer science skills to not only use programs to solve problems, but also to help develop new programs.
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