Finding the perfect geography job has never been easy, but now that technology is starting to make its way into the workplace, things are starting to change. This means that if you want to advance your career you’ll have to do things a little differently. Many people who learn GIS may not think it is a career path, but others may wonder if they have a future in it. In this article, we will answer the question, “GIS As A Career?”.
Is GIS a Good Career?
If you have a lot of love for maps, and you’ve got a sharp mind, So what’s the next step?.
Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) might be the answer. A GIS user is someone who uses technology and computerized mapping tools to store, process, analyze, display, and share geographic information data.
If you are interested in a career in geography, you have plenty of choices. However, one of those choices is to work in the field of GIS or Geographic Information System.
Although GIS is a very useful tool, it is also important to note that people who work in the field are often faced with different problems that are not related to geography.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, GIS Professionals are expected to grow at a faster rate than most other occupations through 2020.
GIS Certification
In order to get a job in GIS, it is important to research the qualifications and training requirements for the position. One should find out what areas of GIS they are interested in and then pursue any coursework or certification necessary to enter the field.
The GIS certificate is not a requirement for entry level positions but it does set you apart from other applicants. The certification does vary from country to country, but it usually consists of some combination of courses, exams, and practical experience.
What is a GIS Certificate?
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) certification is a professional accreditation that is given to those who have the necessary skill and knowledge in GIS. Qualifying individuals are often able to find employment in industries such as government, environmental consulting, and utilities.
A GIS certificate is a professional accreditation that demonstrates an individual’s competence in Geographic Information Systems.
Learning GIS Software
GIS used as an educational and research tool for decades but is now also being used by professionals to solve local and global problems.
It is important to first understand the basics of GIS before starting a career in this field.
The basics include how to use ArcGIS, QGIS or other GIS software to view and manipulate geographical data. It also includes understanding how spatial data relates to map production and analysis.
Geography degree programs typically cover these topics as well as more advanced topics like geospatial analysis, geocoding, remote sensing, image processing and Web Mapping Services.
Do you like to solve problems?
If you are a problem solver and you are interested in a career that involves helping solve problems, then the job market for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a great place to look.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics found that the number of GIS jobs is expected to grow at a rate of 19 percent by 2020.
GIS Jobs And Related Careers?
GIS professionals are in high demand in government agencies at all levels, where they work on urban development projects (such as traffic planning), environmental protection, public safety (for example crime prevention) and disaster management.
Today’s GIS specialists also play a key role in commerce and industry. Some of the related GIS Careers are:
- GIS in the real-estate industry.
- GIS in the military.
- GIS in the medical field.
- GIS in the food-supply industry.
GIS are among the most valuable tools for urban planners and environmental conservationists. For people who want to understand the impact of geography on everything from education to healthcare, GIS is a necessary tool.
Getting a Job In GIS
Working in GIS is a rewarding profession that can be challenging. With the right understanding of the industry and knowledge of your skills, you should succeed in landing the job you want in GIS.
The key aspect to keep in mind when seeking a job in GIS is the skillset that you are looking for.
Some employers may need someone with advanced skills in geospatial technologies while others may only need someone who can effectively work with geographic data using spreadsheet programs or other GIS Programming Languages.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the possibilities that are out there. The most common pitfalls come in the form of not knowing which direction to take and what job title they want to pursue, as well as understanding what skills they need for their chosen career path.
GIS professionals need to be prepared for some of the challenges that might come their way in this industry, such as dealing with spatial data from different sources or projects that can be very complex.
How Do I Start A Career In GIS (Geographic Information System)?
The answer is through a degree program in Geography, Geomatics, Environmental Science or Urban Planning – all fields that are rooted in geography and spatial analysis.
You can earn a certification as a Certified GIS Professional (GISP) or ESRI Technical Certification.
Some of the GIS Positions you can apply:
Cartographer
Cartographers may use different types of software to create their maps depending on the type of information they need to portray or if they are using satellite imagery in their mapping projects.
A cartographer’s work can be used for a variety of purposes: military to help plan operations, urban planning to study traffic flow, or disaster response to help aid relief efforts.
GIS Specialist
A GIS specialist is a geographer that specializes in analyzing and designing geographic data.
They are often employed by government agencies, universities, or businesses like social networks for their expertise in mapping platforms.
GIS Analyst has a vital role in the workplace. They map and analyze data to collect information about the physical environment of an area.
The most important aspect of this job is that they use maps and technology to convey their findings and then create recommendations for how to solve issues with the environment.
GIS managers do many different tasks in their job that depend on the company that they work for.
They might be responsible for collecting, mapping, and analyzing spatial data. Other times they might be working with local governments to help get better maps made or helping companies make use of geospatial technology.
GIS developers need to have a strong background in computer coding, cartography and mathematics. They use advanced software to turn data into actionable insights and a variety of maps with different functions.
Some GIS developers are self-employed or work for mapping companies like ESRI.
GIS Salary
“Nationally, the average annual salary for GIS professionals is approximately $80,000. This number varies depending on various factors such as geographic location and industry sector.”
GIS professionals are important in a variety of industries. They are in high demand for their commitment to solving complex problems.
For example, GIS professionals are often called upon by utility companies to help better understand the customer base so that they can more effectively target potential new customers.
Being in the GIS industry means being at the forefront of technology development.
Conclusion : GIS As A Career
GIS is a growing field right now. There are so many different opportunities for GIS professionals to explore.
The GIS industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. With it being a technological field, that is not a surprising fact.
There are many reasons why GIS professionals should be optimistic about their future. GIS is a technical field, so you need to keep yourself updated by attending GIS Courses, GIS Training and GIS Conferences.