Geographic information systems specialist

About this occupation

Geographic information systems specialists use specialised computer systems, engineering measures, and geological concepts to process land, geographic, and geospatial information into visually detailed digital maps and geomodels of a reservoir. They convert technical information like soil density and properties into digital representations of it for the usage of engineers, governments, and stakeholders interested.

• Review existing or incoming data for currency, accuracy, usefulness, quality, or completeness of documentation.
• Produce data layers, maps, tables, or reports, using spatial analysis procedures or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, equipment, or systems.
• Maintain or modify existing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases.
• Select cartographic elements needed for effective presentation of information.
• Enter data into Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases, using techniques such as coordinate geometry, keyboard entry of tabular data, manual digitizing of maps, scanning or automatic conversion to vectors, or conversion of other sources of digital data.
• Interpret aerial or ortho photographs.

Preparation

Job Zone 4 of 5

Interests

Conventional, Investigative, Realistic

Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Complex Problem Solving, Active Listening, Writing, Speaking

US median pay: US$116,580 a year (2025), 435,370 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Subjects this work relies on

How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).

• GeographyO*NET: GeographyVery important (4.4)
• Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (4.2)
• English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.5)
• Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyImportant (3.3)
• Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.3)
• Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignImportant (3.3)

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.

Preparation needed

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Education

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Experience

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.