What Do GIS Technicians Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

Job Description

GIS Technicians assist scientists, technologists, or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems (GIS) databases. May also perform some custom application development or provide user support. They also design or prepare graphic representations of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data, using GIS hardware or software applications.

Other tasks include:

• Analyze Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data to identify spatial relationships or display results of analyses, using maps, graphs, or tabular data.
• Maintain or modify existing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases.
• 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.
• Review existing or incoming data for currency, accuracy, usefulness, quality, or completeness of documentation.
• Perform geospatial data building, modeling, or analysis, using advanced spatial analysis, data manipulation, or cartography software.
• Design or coordinate the development of integrated Geographic Information Systems (GIS) spatial or non-spatial databases.

We asked GIS Technicians how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

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70% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 46% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.

Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, GIS Technicians select cartographic elements needed for effective presentation of information. They analyze Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data to identify spatial relationships or display results of analyses, using maps, graphs, or tabular data.

A typical day for a Geographic Information Systems Technician will also include:

• Design or prepare graphic representations of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data, using GIS hardware or software applications.
• Transfer or rescale information from original photographs onto maps or other photographs.
• 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.
• Perform geospatial data building, modeling, or analysis, using advanced spatial analysis, data manipulation, or cartography software.
• Maintain or modify existing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases.

We asked some GIS Technicians a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

	Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job?	70% said yes
	How important is it to work in a team in this job?	57% said very important
	Do you have group discussions everyday in this job?	49% said yes
	Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job?	39% said yes
	Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job?	2% said yes
	Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job?	9% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, GIS Technicians also design or coordinate the development of integrated Geographic Information Systems (GIS) spatial or non-spatial databases. They may also 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.

On a weekly to monthly basis, GIS Technicians Provide technical support to users or clients regarding the maintenance, development, or operation of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases, equipment, or applications. They might also Read current literature, talk with colleagues, continue education, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, equipment, or systems.

In addition, they Perform geospatial data building, modeling, or analysis, using advanced spatial analysis, data manipulation, or cartography software.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Select cartographic elements needed for effective presentation of information.

To some GIS Technicians, it is also their responsibility to Maintain or modify existing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases.

Working life

Standard 40 hour work week

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as a Geographic Information Systems Technician, you can expect to work 40 hour work week.

Is this right for me

People who are suitable for this job tends to like working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally..

They also like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

Explore other careers

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/geographers.htm

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/surveying-and-mapping-technicians.htm

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/cartographers-and-photogrammetrists.htm