Most GIS specialists have degrees in geography or GIS and are experts in working with maps.
A geographic information systems (GIS) specialist is a person who uses software and various types of technology to create and maintain maps and related data. This person may also have responsibility for representing, analyzing, and manipulating a variety of geospatial data. The requirements that an individual will need to meet to become a GIS specialist may depend on the employer with whom they seek employment. However, many employers prefer candidates who have bachelor’s degrees or GIS certificates.
GIS software is often used by people working in ecology and environmental science.
A person who becomes a GIS specialist may be asked to perform a wide range of tasks, and the specific roles they will have will depend on where and by whom they are employed. This person may have the role of using special GIS software and tools to create maps and graphs. She can also perform searches to find existing databases, collect and analyze spatial data, and determine how to integrate the data and display it. A person in this field may also analyze data for geographic statistics that can be included in various types of documents. Often, a person in this field uses plotters, digitizers, GIS software and hardware, printers, and video cameras when doing their job.
A GIS specialist must be familiar with the use of plotters to make accurate maps and diagrams.
To become a GIS specialist, a person typically completes a GIS certification program or earns a bachelor’s degree in geography, GIS, environmental science, or a related area of specialization. Many employers prefer to hire people who have earned a bachelor’s degree in geography or GIS rather than certificates. However, there are some employers who may be willing to hire candidates who do not have degrees or certificates, as long as they have several years of GIS experience.
In addition to a degree, certificate, or experience, a person who wants to become a GIS specialist may also need other qualifications. A person seeking this career generally needs good geography skills, including the ability to describe locations and features on land, sea, and in the air. Generally, she must have good verbal and written skills to communicate GIS information to non-technical people. Analytical and mathematical skills are required to perform roles in this field, as are skills in collecting and ordering information. Also, a person who wants to become a GIS expert sometimes needs to have computer skills not only to use programs to solve problems, but also to help develop new programs.