GIS Specialist

Depending on the company and sector you are working in, the role of a GIS specialist can vary. Generally, they are involved in producing and analysing data to plan and deliver services and products. GIS is used in a wide range of areas including construction, oil, gas, water, telecoms, electricity, the environment, healthcare, transport planning and operation, defense, retail location planning and logistics, national park management, insurance and finance. A wide range of jobs are available in the public, private and third sectors.

Typical work activities
The wide range of organisations using GIS means that activities may vary, but can include:

• Collecting geographical information
• Ensuring GIS datasets are available for other people in the organisation
• Using GPS tools in the field to capture the location of 'assets' (e.g. bridges, street lights, road barriers, flood defences and so on)
• Digitising paper maps to convert them to GIS datasets
• Storing, analysing and presenting geographical information
• Creating and maintaining the structures necessary for GIS data storage
• Manipulating, analysing and presenting geographical information, creating programs to convert the formats of GIS information, developing internet applications to present GIS data and tools on corporate websites
• Developing tools for loading/transferring GIS data between different systems
• Creating new information or investigating existing patters by using GIS tools to join together multiple datasets
• Undertaking project based activities working with clients to determine the nature and purpose of the information they require.

Skills
A role in GIS is likely to need communication skills, a motivated and pro-active attitude, computer skills (particularly in GIS and complex datasets), analysis, presentation, numeracy and the ability to translate requirements into working solution.

Interested in a career as a GIS Specialist?

Qualifications and work experience

More information

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