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

Job Description

GIS Scientists research or develop geospatial technologies. May produce databases, perform applications programming, or coordinate projects. May specialize in areas such as agriculture, mining, health care, retail trade, urban planning, or military intelligence. They also produce data layers, maps, tables, or reports, using spatial analysis procedures or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, equipment, or systems.

Other tasks include:

• Provide technical expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to clients or users.
• Perform computer programming, data analysis, or software development for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications, including the maintenance of existing systems or research and development for future enhancements.
• 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.
• Lead, train, or supervise technicians or related staff in the conduct of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analytical procedures.
• Perform integrated or computerized Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analyses to address scientific problems.
• Collect, compile, or integrate Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data, such as remote sensing or cartographic data for inclusion in map manuscripts.

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

---

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.

Featured Schools

Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, GIS Scientists provide technical expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to clients or users. They perform computer programming, data analysis, or software development for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications, including the maintenance of existing systems or research and development for future enhancements.

A typical day for a Geospatial Information Scientist and Technologist will also include:

• Produce data layers, maps, tables, or reports, using spatial analysis procedures or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, equipment, or systems.
• Create, edit, or analyze geospatial data, using Global Positioning Systems (GPS) or digitizing techniques.
• Lead, train, or supervise technicians or related staff in the conduct of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analytical procedures.
• Conduct or coordinate research, data analysis, systems design, or support for software such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or Global Positioning Systems (GPS) mapping software.
• Collect, compile, or integrate Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data, such as remote sensing or cartographic data for inclusion in map manuscripts.

We asked some GIS Scientists 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?	68% said yes
	How important is it to work in a team in this job?	36% said very important
	Do you have group discussions everyday in this job?	61% said yes
	Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job?	14% said yes
	Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job?	0% said yes
	Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job?	14% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, GIS Scientists also design, program, or model Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications or procedures. They may also document, design, code, or test Geographic Information Systems (GIS) models, internet mapping solutions, or other applications.

On a weekly to monthly basis, GIS Scientists Meet with clients to discuss topics such as technical specifications, customized solutions, or operational problems. They might also Coordinate the development or administration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) projects, including the development of technical priorities, client reporting and interface, or coordination and review of schedules and budgets.

In addition, they Develop specialized computer software routines, internet-based Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases, or business applications to customize geographic information.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Create visual representations of geospatial data, using complex procedures such as analytical modeling, three-dimensional renderings, or plot creation.

To some GIS Scientists, it is also their responsibility to Coordinate or direct research or publication activities of technicians or related staff.

Working life

Standard 40 hour work week

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as a Geospatial Information Scientist and Technologist, 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.aag.org/

http://www.gisci.org/

http://www.opm.gov/