Many companies are looking for new ways to use GIS and improve their efficiency. GIS developers are in demand, but getting the job isn’t easy. It requires specialized training and skill sets that can be incredibly tough to find.
So you want a job as a GIS developer? If you do, then this is the right place for you.
This section contains information about How To Become A GIS Developer and why it’s a great career choice. If you’re passionate about working with technology and solving problems, then continue to read this article till the end to know everything related to GIS Developer Job Description.
The Future of GIS Development
In the future, GIS is predicted to be utilized in a variety of ways. One way this could happen is through augmented reality. This technology will allow users to see and interact with objects in real-time through their phone screens or AR goggles.
The advancement of GIS has been seen as a game-changer for many industries. In the near future, we can expect it to be used by not only traditional businesses but also more niche sectors such as entertainment and education.
GIS technology has a plethora of opportunities for both businesses and individuals. There are many different uses that it can be put to such as improving transportation routes, making construction projects safer, or even mapping out your next vacation destination!
What Is A GIS Developer?
A GIS developer is primarily a person who design, develops and maintains Geographic Information System (GIS) software application or web-based application. They work with various software that can store, process, and present information from different sources.
In this industry, the skillset required is mostly on the technical side of things such as programming languages, mathematics, statistics, and spatial analysis. There are plenty of ways to break into this field like internships or starting your own by doing freelancing for it.
GIS Developer Job Description
As a GIS Developer, you will be responsible for building, updating and maintaining digital data for the company. You will also be responsible for developing software solutions using cutting-edge technologies such as machine learning and artificial intelligence.
The GIS Developer is responsible for the implementation of GIS systems and creating spatial data in a variety of formats.
GIS Developer / Web Developer Responsibilities:
- Create GIS Software Applications, Web Applications and geoprocessing tools.
- Understand client needs and work accordingly.
- Plan and implement GIS projects in accordance with project scope, including budgeting, scheduling, risk analysis, resource allocation and provide solutions.
- Maintain the database with a focus on SQL queries and maintenance queries.
- Create spatial data from scratch or by adapting existing data sets.
- Retrieve, process, clean, and analyze data from various sources such as web services (WMS/WFS).
- Provide maintenance for GIS Applications and web-based applications.
- Ability to work autonomously while managing multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Excellent written, analytical and verbal communication skills.
How To Become A GIS Developer
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) is software that has been around for more than a decade. It is used by governments, public and private organizations to create maps, manage their data and conduct analyses.
GIS software can be a good option for those looking to make a career change or who are new to the field and interested in the technical side of GIS.
If you’re spending all day sitting in front of a computer thinking about how to become a GIS Developer, it’s time for a change.
Skills You’ll Need To Become A Successful GIS Developer
Developers are the backbone of any project. They maintain the code and software to make sure that the project is running smoothly or they create new features for it. GIS developers are skilled to identify data sources, build and manage geospatial databases, handle spatial analysis projects, develop GIS applications and use spatial analytical techniques. GIS developers usually have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field with experience in the field of GIS.
There is a lot of GIS Certified Programmes that you can complete in 1-2 years. But earning a Master Degree will increase your chance further.
Almost 11.7% of GIS Developers include ArcGIS or ESRI Products as a skill in theirs resumes.
GIS Developer Skills
Skill required for a successful GIS Career are listed below:
#1. GIS Developers to have good market analysis skills.
GIS Developers are hired to work on a project with a specific goal. For example, they may be creating an app that helps farmers grow crops and get better yields. The GIS Developers need to know which crops will be in high demand in the next 5-10 years and what will be the trend of this market. To do this, they need to understand how people are changing their diets by analyzing nutritional data from grocery stores.
It is essential for GIS Developers to have good market analysis skills that can help them make smart decisions about their projects.
#2. GIS Developers Should Be Good Communicators & Negotiators
GIS Developers should be good communicators and negotiators. They should be able to communicate and negotiate with other departments and the public. They should also be able to work with the software teams in order to help them make sure that the software is functioning properly.
The GIS Developers need to have strong technical skills as well as communication skills in order to achieve their goals.
#3. Programming Skills
GIS developers need programming skills to do their job and sometimes companies are reluctant to spend the money on new hires with these skills if they are already short-handed. The GIS industry has been growing steadily over the last few years due to increased demand from businesses, which is why there is an increasing demand for skilled GIS developers.
Programming languages such as C/C++, Python, SQL, Java are required to perform basic programming tasks. Even good knowledge of Application development and programming tools adds an advantage.
#4. Data Management
When it comes to GIS software, the need for data management is paramount. Developers need to make sure that their data is accessible and useable at all times. Without this necessity, the software would not be able to provide any value to the end-user. This is because there are certain processes that can only be completed if certain rules and conditions are met. Data management is a pivotal part of GIS software. Without proper data management, developers cannot complete their work effectively or efficiently.
Furthermore, without a good data management tool, users will have a very difficult time trying to access or understand their information.
#5. Spatial Analysis & algorithms
GIS Developers use Spatial Analysis and algorithms in order to analyze, manage, and visualize data in various forms. They can also create new features for maps or in real-time like search or routing. These are just a few examples of how they integrate spatial analytics into their jobs.
The key reason why GIS developers need these tools is that they help them improve efficiency by providing insight about their work that would otherwise be difficult to obtain.
GIS Developer Salary
GIS Developer skills are so valuable that companies have been able to offer them competitive salaries. The job market for GIS developers is growing rapidly due to a number of factors such as the need for digital technology, the ever-growing data stream, and the increasing pace of urbanization.
GIS developers usually have a bachelor’s degree or higher qualification in computer science or geography. They need to be very good with spatial data and programming languages like Python, R, or SQL.
How Much Does GIS Developer Earn?
There will be more than 18% growth till 2028 — and the salary is in the range of $78,000 – $127,000 yearly, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The average salary for this role is $78,322.
GIS Developer Training Courses
There is a lot of money associated with GIS development and it’s not a walk in the park to learn the skillset. For this reason, there are many GIS training courses available on the market today.
You can opt for these Traning Courses which suits the most to your GIS Developer Job Profile.
Conclusion: GIS Developer Job Description
There is a lot of demand for GIS developers and the number of jobs in this field has increased tenfold.
A geographical information system is an important tool that can be used in a variety of industries. It helps with everything from data management to disaster response and climate change modelling. In addition, there are many other job opportunities that don’t just involve GIS development, but related fields as well.