A Geographic Information System (GIS) applies geographic
science with tools such as maps, data, analytics, and applications, to
achieve actionable intelligence. With the rapid advances in technology and
data collection over the past 50 years, GIS has developed from a concept to a
science.
Providing a framework to gather, organize, and analyze
scientific data, GIS communicates insights to facilitate understanding and
collaboration for its users. Based on the science of geography, modern GIS can
transform many types of data into visualizations through maps and
three-dimensional (3D) scenes, thereby revealing insights into patterns,
relationships, and situations.
The purpose of GIS is to strengthen knowledge and drive
data-driven decisions through participation, sharing, and collaboration.
The evolution of the field has made it possible for GIS experts to address new
and larger-scale issues like humanitarian and conservation efforts as well as
business intelligence for product management and marketing.
GIS technology is currently used in a wide variety of
fields, including health, education, sustainability, public safety, government,
natural resources, petroleum, retail, real estate, transportation, and
related industries.
As the demand for actionable data continues to increase
globally, the prospects for GIS career growth are extremely promising. Not only
is GIS a growing field, but it also offers competitive salaries, a variety of work, and an
opportunity to make a difference in the world.
The Emergence of GIS
The field of geographic information systems (GIS) began in
the 1960s along with the emergence of computers and quantitative and
computational geography. Academic circles conducted GIS research before the
field was officially recognized with the establishment of the National Center
for Geographic Information and Analysis.
Through formal research on key geographic information
science topics and the ability to perform spatial analysis and visualization,
GIS began its evolution into a powerful platform.
GIS is primarily used to identify and illuminate problems
that are driven by geography and with the ability to create bespoke digital map
layers and solve real-world problems, GIS has created a method for data sharing
and collaboration around the world. Organizations in almost every field are
incorporating GIS to make key decisions that change the way the world works.
GIS maps can be designed to identify problems, monitor change, manage and
respond to events, perform forecasting, set priorities, understand trends, and
as a result, solve complex problems.
For example, geospatial data has become part of our everyday
lives with popular platforms like Google Maps and Waze using application
programming interfaces (APIs) to integrate the data into their apps. As a very
different example, Ersi was commissioned by a consortium of more than
100 nations to create an interactive global map of Ecological Marine Units (EMUs) with
the purpose of supporting the more knowledgeable and informed use of
ocean resources as well as the preservation of environmental
resilience.
How GIS Works
Maps: Shared and embedded in apps, maps are a
geographic container for data layers and analytics. Often interactive, GIS maps
are accessible to virtually anyone with an internet connection.
Data: GIS may integrate many different types of
data layers by using spatial location, although most data have a geographic
element.
Analysis: Used to evaluate suitability and
capability, as well as to estimate, predict, interpret,
and understand, spatial analysis can offer a new perspective and
directive to benefit or influence related decision-making and technology
performance.
Apps: As previously mentioned, apps like Google
Maps deliver User Interface (UI) or User Experience
(UX) prioritized technology. Whether an app is accessed on
smartphones, tablets, or in a web browser, it brings GIS directly into your
hands.
GIS and Related Degrees at Glance
There are several academic
paths to a GIS career, including the following undergraduate and
graduate Degree Programs by area of study:
- Geographic Information Science
- Geography
- Cartography
- Surveying
- Earth Science
- Geoscience
- Forensic Anthropology
- Environmental Biology
- Geospatial Science
- Urban Planning
- Engineering
- Computer Science
Get Started in GIS
Like in any field, you have to start somewhere
and a degree in a GIS-related program is
a great starting point for a career in GIS. Along with practical
experience, an education in an associated area of study will also go
a long way to advancing
your eligibility for job placement in a continuously growing
industry.
The most common undergraduate degrees for GIS specialists
are geography, cartography, or surveying, and these programs are usually under
the domain of geography departments. However, GIS tools are used within an
array of disciplines, and courses may also be found in engineering, forestry,
geology, or environmental science programs. Many schools also offer minors, certificates,
and master’s programs in GIS as well as in other geospatial
technologies.
Most employers will have a minimum requirement of a
bachelor’s degree for an entry-level position. Although it depends on the
industry, the most marketable GIS-related degrees are in geography, computer
science, engineering, or urban planning. If you already have a bachelor’s
degree in another field or do not want to change your major, you could
supplement your college education with a GIS certificate program. Bear in mind,
however, that those aspiring to managerial positions in GIS will be more
successful if they have a master’s degree.
One way to set yourself apart as a job candidate, or to
advance in your career, is to earn GIS-related certifications. A Certified GIS
Professional (GISP) can be earned through the GIS Certification Institute.
Recognized and endorsed by several states, the Institute’s GIS
certification has also been endorsed by the National Association of
Counties. Esri Technical Certification is also available
for Esri’s ArcGIS software. Esri products currently
dominate the commercial GIS software market and are the software applications
most often required by employers.
If possible, try to secure an internship while working
towards your degree. Hands-on experience will help you determine if GIS is the
right career path for you as well as give you some marketable skills on your
resume. You may also consider volunteering at a nonprofit or asking if you can
shadow someone already working in the field. If not already part of your
academic curriculum, consider taking courses in software development as
computer programming will be an increasingly in-demand skill in GIS
mapping.
Salaries
According to Glassdoor, the median annual pay for a GIS analyst is $76,410,
while Indeed reports that as of September 2021,
average annual
salaries within the GIS field are:
- GIS
Analyst: $64,135 per year
- Information
Systems Technician $64,302 per year
- GIS
Technician $49,608 per year
- Systems
Analyst. $79,195 per year
- Geographer.
$74,247 per year
- GIS
Manager. $75,776 per year
Career Demand
According to Prescient & Strategic Intelligence market
research, the global GIS market is projected to be worth $25.6 billion by 2030
and registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.1% during 2021–2030.
This forecast is based upon the increasing investments by government
organizations, increased use of spatial data and cloud technology, growing
implementation of enterprise GIS solutions, and increased demand for GIS-based
solutions for location-as-a-service (LaaS) platforms.
Adding to the surging demand for GIS solutions is
in part the ongoing effects of the 2021 global pandemic COVID-19, and
high adoption of GIS technology to map the spread pattern of the disease to
implement surveillance and preventive measures. To mitigate the effects of
COVID-19, numerous government agencies are utilizing GIS capabilities,
including location intelligence, spatial analytics, and mapping.