Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists
At a Glance
- Work with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to produce maps and analyze data
- Spend a lot of time on computers
- Often work in teams
- Most have a bachelor's degree
Career summary
Geospatial information scientists and technologists study how to best use physical space.#checked 2/18/15 lh
They measure and study how people use the space around them. They also study how this use of space changes over time. This relates to geography -- the study of the Earth’s features, climate, resources, and population.
To help locate a new school, a geospatial scientist evaluates how many children live in an area, future birth rates, and how many families are predicted to move into an area. To locate a new bridge, geospatial scientists study traffic flow.
Their research can be used to preserve farmland, measure pollution, or locate water and electric lines.
Geospatial information scientists and technologists use many tools to gather and interpret data including:
- Geographic information systems (GIS) technology
- Global positioning systems (GPS) technology
- Aerial and remote sensing technology
They also use sophisticated computer software to analyze data. They interpret technical data so it can be understood by non-technical people.
Many fields benefit from the work of geospatial information scientists. Examples include:
- Agriculture
- Construction
- Conservation
- Energy
- Natural resources
- Regional planning
Geospatial information scientists and technologists often work as part of a team. They must follow budgets and schedules.
Related careers
This career is part of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics cluster of careers.
Related careers include:
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
- Computer Engineers
- Computer Network Architects
- Conservation Scientists
- Cost Estimators
- Electrical and Electronics Engineers
- Energy Engineers
- Environmental Scientists
- Geographers
- Geographic Information Systems Specialists
- Geologists and Geophysicists
- Information Security Analysts
- Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians
- Surveyors
- Urban and Regional Planners
Job duties
Task list
The following list of tasks is specific to geospatial information scientists and technologists.
- Produce data, maps, tables, or reports using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology. Show information by its current location and by changes over time.
- Coordinate GIS projects by creating reports, schedules, or budgets and meeting with clients.
- Provide technical expertise in GIS technology to clients or users.
- Create, analyze, report, or transfer data using special software.
- Maintain existing systems. Research future changes to GIS systems.
- Provide technical support for GIS mapping software.
- Perform computer programming, data analysis, or software development for GIS.
- Lead, train, or supervise technicians or related staff in GIS.
- Collect or integrate GIS data, such as remote sensing and cartographic data, for inclusion in maps. This includes green space in cities, sources of pollution, and locations of utilities.
- Meet with clients to discuss topics such as technical specifications, solutions, and operational problems.
- Keep skills up-to-date by reading, attending conferences, and talking with colleagues.
Common work activities
Geospatial information scientists and technologists perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.
- Use computers
- Get information needed to do the job
- Analyze data or information
- Update and use job-related knowledge
- Process information
- Make decisions and solve problems
- Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
- Establish and maintain relationships
- Document and record information
- Organize, plan, and prioritize work
- Explain the meaning of information to others
- Evaluate information against standards
- Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
- Think creatively
- Identify objects, actions, and events
- Communicate with people outside the organization
- Teach others
- Provide advice and consultation to others
- Schedule work and activities
- Develop goals and strategies
- Coordinate the work and activities of others
- Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
- Judge the value of objects, services, or people
- Develop and build teams
Work requirements
Working conditions
In a typical work setting, geospatial information scientists and technologists:
Interpersonal relationships
- Have a low to medium high level of social interaction. They spend time talking to other technologists, managers, and clients, but also spend time alone analyzing data.
- Communicate with people daily by telephone, e-mail, and in person.
- Are somewhat responsible for the work done by others.
- Write letters and memos on a weekly basis.
- Work as part of a project team.
Physical work conditions
- Almost always work indoors. May work outdoors on occasion.
- May share office space with other workers.
Work performance
- Must be very exact and accurate when analyzing data.
- Rarely consult a supervisor before making a decision or setting tasks and goals.
- Meet strict daily and weekly deadlines. This makes the work atmosphere somewhat competitive.
- Often make decisions that strongly impact coworkers and their company.
- Repeat the same physical and mental tasks.
Hours/travel
- Usually work a standard work week. They may work overtime to meet project deadlines.
Physical demands
Geospatial information scientists and technologists frequently:
- Sit for long periods of time.
- Repeat the same movements.
- Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
It is important for geospatial information scientists and technologists to be able to:
- See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
- Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
- Understand the speech of another person.
- See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
It is not as important, but still necessary, for geospatial information scientists and technologists to be able to:
- See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
- Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
- Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
- Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
- Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
- Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
- Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
Skills and abilities
Geospatial information scientists and technologists need to:
Communicate
- Understand written information.
- Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
- Understand spoken information.
- Read and understand work-related materials.
- Write clearly so other people can understand.
- Listen to others and ask questions.
Reason and problem solve
- Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
- Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
- Recognize the nature of a problem.
- Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
- Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
- Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
- Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
- Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
- Develop rules that group items in various ways.
- Think of new ideas about a topic.
- Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
- Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
- Identify what must be changed to reach goals.
- Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
Use math and science
- Use scientific methods to solve problems.
- Use math skills to solve problems.
- Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.
- Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.
Manage oneself, people, time, and things
- Manage the time of self and others.
- Check how well one is learning or doing something.
- Motivate, develop, and direct people as they work.
Work with people
- Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
- Use several methods to learn or teach new things.
- Look for ways to help people.
- Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
- Teach others how to do something.
Work with things
- Analyze needs and requirements when designing products.
Perceive and visualize
- Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
- Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
Education and training
Educational programs
The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.
Programs of study directly related to this occupation
Other programs of study to consider
Training
To work as a geospatial information technologist, you typically need to:
- have a high school diploma or equivalent;
- have at least a two-year degree in geospatial information or a related field; and
- have related work experience.
To work as a geospatial information scientist, you typically need to:
- have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
- have at least a bachelor's degree in geography or a related field.
Education after high school
Almost all geospatial information scientists and technologists have a bachelor's degree in geography, civil engineering, planning, surveying and mapping, or a physical science. In addition, more colleges and universities are offering certificates in geospatial engineering, photogrammetry, or a related field. These programs have a heavy emphasis on using GIS and GPS software. As a student you should also take courses in economics, history, and urban studies.
Technologists can study for this field by gaining an associate degree in geospatial information or a related field and working their way into this occupation through experience. However, the standard education level is a bachelor's degree.
You need a doctoral (PhD) degree to teach geography and geospatial information at a college. Many colleges and universities offer advanced degrees in geography.
Work experience
Working as a research assistant for a geographer is good experience for this field. Look for this kind of work when you are a college student. Or consider participating in an internship. An internship offers you a chance to apply what you have learned in the classroom to a work situation. It also allows you to build skills and make contacts with people in the field.
On-the-job training
Depending on your employer, you may receive training on your first job. The length of training varies by employer, but may last up to one year.
Helpful high school courses
In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements . Geospatial information scientists and technologists need a strong background in math and science. Try to take math classes through Trigonometry and science classes through Physics.
You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.
Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:
- Computer Applications
- Computer Programming
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Geography
The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.
You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.
Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.
Things to know
Employers look for technologists who have at least a two-year degree in geospatial information or a related field and work experience. Employers require scientists to have at least a bachelor's degree. For both technologists and scientists, employers look for applicants with strong technical, computing, and communication skills. Work experience or coursework in the particular field of the employer, such as urban planning or agriculture, is often helpful in getting hired.
Costs to workers
After entering this field, most workers join professional associations and pay annual dues.
Wages
Computer occupations, all other (SOC 15-1199)
| Location |
Pay Period | |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10% |
25% |
Median |
75% |
90% |
||
| Washington | Hourly | $22.17 | $31.85 | $42.19 | $56.13 | $69.34 |
| Monthly | $3,842 | $5,520 | $7,312 | $9,727 | $12,017 | |
| Yearly | $46,110 | $66,240 | $87,760 | $116,760 | $144,230 | |
| Bellingham | Hourly | $14.73 | $23.71 | $34.61 | $40.55 | $48.01 |
| Monthly | $2,553 | $4,109 | $5,998 | $7,027 | $8,320 | |
| Yearly | $30,645 | $49,318 | $71,990 | $84,359 | $99,859 | |
| Bremerton-Silverdale | Hourly | $30.43 | $37.88 | $42.82 | $49.30 | $55.61 |
| Monthly | $5,274 | $6,565 | $7,421 | $8,544 | $9,637 | |
| Yearly | $63,305 | $78,794 | $89,065 | $102,552 | $115,682 | |
| Kennewick-Richland | Hourly | $21.29 | $27.14 | $38.12 | $58.90 | $74.16 |
| Monthly | $3,690 | $4,703 | $6,606 | $10,207 | $12,852 | |
| Yearly | $44,292 | $56,470 | $79,288 | $122,499 | $154,253 | |
| Longview | Hourly | $11.88 | $20.31 | $35.33 | $52.14 | $60.13 |
| Monthly | $2,059 | $3,520 | $6,123 | $9,036 | $10,421 | |
| Yearly | $24,725 | $42,242 | $73,492 | $108,462 | $125,063 | |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes | Hourly | $25.06 | $31.06 | $38.54 | $46.24 | $60.17 |
| Monthly | $4,343 | $5,383 | $6,679 | $8,013 | $10,427 | |
| Yearly | $52,126 | $64,617 | $80,172 | $96,188 | $125,146 | |
| Olympia-Tumwater | Hourly | $16.57 | $31.50 | $36.79 | $45.12 | $59.14 |
| Monthly | $2,872 | $5,459 | $6,376 | $7,819 | $10,249 | |
| Yearly | $34,473 | $65,528 | $76,522 | $93,863 | $123,019 | |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | Hourly | $23.55 | $32.79 | $44.29 | $59.10 | $72.99 |
| Monthly | $4,081 | $5,683 | $7,675 | $10,242 | $12,649 | |
| Yearly | $48,987 | $68,202 | $92,129 | $122,932 | $151,825 | |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley | Hourly | $14.06 | $20.96 | $34.04 | $44.21 | $54.32 |
| Monthly | $2,437 | $3,632 | $5,899 | $7,662 | $9,414 | |
| Yearly | $29,246 | $43,602 | $70,801 | $91,944 | $112,985 | |
| Vancouver | Hourly | $20.96 | $29.30 | $41.23 | $51.57 | $61.25 |
| Monthly | $3,632 | $5,078 | $7,145 | $8,937 | $10,615 | |
| Yearly | $43,584 | $60,942 | $85,749 | $107,263 | $127,406 | |
| Walla Walla | Hourly | $14.11 | $22.96 | $34.70 | $39.82 | $48.37 |
| Monthly | $2,445 | $3,979 | $6,014 | $6,901 | $8,383 | |
| Yearly | $29,359 | $47,772 | $72,193 | $82,827 | $100,606 | |
| Wenatchee | Hourly | $15.46 | $24.53 | $30.54 | $40.68 | $54.06 |
| Monthly | $2,679 | $4,251 | $5,293 | $7,050 | $9,369 | |
| Yearly | $32,156 | $51,019 | $63,523 | $84,616 | $112,439 | |
| Yakima | Hourly | $18.76 | $25.36 | $33.70 | $41.81 | $49.93 |
| Monthly | $3,251 | $4,395 | $5,840 | $7,246 | $8,653 | |
| Yearly | $39,031 | $52,759 | $70,079 | $86,948 | $103,873 | |
| United States | Hourly | $22.77 | $31.93 | $43.40 | $56.28 | $69.62 |
| Monthly | $3,946 | $5,533 | $7,521 | $9,753 | $12,065 | |
| Yearly | $47,350 | $66,410 | $90,270 | $117,070 | $144,820 | |
Wages vary by employer and area of the country. The individual's specialty and level of experience and responsibility also affect wages. Those who have supervisory duties usually earn higher wages.
Geospatial information scientists and technologists who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Some employers also provide a retirement plan.
National wage information is not available specifically for geospatial information scientists and technologists. However, they are part of the larger group of "all other computer occupations."
Employment and outlook
Washington outlook
The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.
Computer occupations, all other (SOC 15-1199)
| Location | Current employment | Growth over 10 years | Annual openings | |
| This occupation |
All occupations |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 18,096 | 35.4% | 16.1% | 2,681 |
| Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties | 92 | 25.0% | 13.4% | 11 |
| Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties | 130 | 6.2% | 8.6% | 10 |
| Benton and Franklin Counties | 175 | 17.1% | 15.0% | 19 |
| Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties | 744 | 13.2% | 11.9% | 72 |
| Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties | 511 | 24.3% | 15.2% | 63 |
| Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties | 223 | 35.4% | 14.1% | 33 |
| Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties | 270 | 22.2% | 14.6% | 32 |
| King County | 13,037 | 45.9% | 19.6% | 2,257 |
| Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties | 96 | 6.3% | 13.8% | 8 |
| Pierce County | 792 | 20.7% | 15.2% | 91 |
| Snohomish County | 748 | 22.9% | 12.4% | 89 |
| Spokane County | 595 | 26.2% | 13.9% | 75 |
| United States | 412,800 | 10.2% | 5.2% | 35,700 |
National employment
Major employers:
- Consulting firms
- Local, state, and federal government agencies
National outlook
Demand is expected to be faster than average for this occupation. New mapping technology has led to job creation. Opportunities will be best for scientists and technologists with strong technical, computing, and communication skills.
Improved technologies will continue to increase both the accuracy and productivity of these workers. This will limit job growth to some extent. However, job openings will continue to arise from the need to replace workers who retire.
Employment and outlook information is not available specifically for geospatial information scientists and technologists. However, they are part of the larger group of "all other computer occupations."
Other resources
1710 - 16th Street NW
Washington, DC 20009
202.234.1450
American Geosciences Institute
4220 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22302
703.379.2480
American Planning Association
205 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1200
Chicago, IL 60601
312.431.9100
American Planning Association, Washington Chapter
2150 North 107th Street, Suite 205
Seattle, WA 98133
206.682.7436
Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning
6311 Mallard Trace Drive
Tallahassee, FL 32312
850.385.2054
Engineer Girl!
National Academy of Engineering
IEEE Computer Society
2001 L Street NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036
202.371.0101
Society of Women Engineers
130 East Randolph Street, Suite 3500
Chicago, IL 60601
877.793.4636
Technology Student Association
1904 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191-1540
888.860.9010
Washington State Division of Geology and Earth Resources
Washington State Science & Engineering Fair
References
Career cluster
Career path
- Investigative (Science)
O*Net occupation
O*Net job zone
Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed. A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.
DOT occupation
Holland occupational cluster
- Investigative/Realistic/Conventional