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What do Geographical Information Systems Technicians Do?
By Harrison Barnes of GISCrossing
GIS, or Geographical Information Systems, is a newer career avenue that's proven to be not only lucrative, but also appears to remain in demand. Best described as a combination of hardware, data capturing and software programs used for defining and displaying geographic information, the career paths are numerous and the ways this information is used are virtually endless. According to the US Government's Bureau of Labor Stats, the nature of the work is described as, "measuring and mapping the earth's surface". From states that incorporate GIS to define its counties or other boundaries to NASA's use for defining and documenting global changes, such as land masses and oceans. Anyone who's ever used any of the many mapping programs online has incorporated the use of at least one geographical information system.
For those looking to make their careers in this field have many options and have the freedom to target, at least to some degree, specific areas they feel they can best serve. According to the Bureau of Labor Stats, opportunities for surveyors, cartographers and photogrammetists offer the most opportunities, with teaching a close second in both demand and availability. A few career options include:
Civil engineering firms incorporate those who specialize in GIS to determine where new roads are incorporated, ensuring adequate services, especially in rural areas, for fire departments and ambulance companies and other resources for specific areas. They collect and provide data regarding construction sites, contours, elevation, or other dimensions of certain land masses.
The military incorporates GIS in numerous areas and is used to determine potential trouble areas in the world, the best approaches for entering areas considered dangerous and determining where utility lines and even flight zones are located. Coupled with available satellites, this becomes a powerful weapon for national and global security.
Police departments, FBI and other law enforcement agencies can hone in on hideouts, can define parameters for any number of profiles, ensure those with ankle bracelets remain within their defined parameters and outline schools and other areas deemed to have clusters of children. This particular advantage is often used in trials for drug dealers caught within established zones that can add to sentencing options for dealing near school yards.
Other users include construction companies for underground exploration for oil, water, soil features, and others.
These are just a small number of ways this technology is used and the uses grow on a daily basis. Other degreed positions, such as those in the engineering and info technology fields often find themselves promoted to team leaders or other management roles. As with most careers, the more assertive one is the better the chances for cross-training and promotions.
A quick search reveals the most in-demand positions for employers are software development programmer. Most of the profiles reveal requirements such as a degree in software engineering, the ability to provide "cutting-edge" technology solutions, attention to detail since documentation is an absolute must, strong writing skills since these positions require writing complete technical specifications, a background in both geography and surveying and a strong knowledge in C++ technology and computer aided drafting.
Support positions, such as administrative assistants and clerks are also in high demand and require many of the same skills as the professional positions. Attention to detail, strong writing skills, ability to follow through and an extensive computer background are advantageous for candidates applying for these positions.
Still another area in this fast-growing arena is for teachers and instructors. Naturally, with this field still in its infancy, there is a big demand for those who can teach. More junior colleges and universities are beginning to add this to the curriculum's. Since many employers require at least a bachelor's degree with strong technical abilities, these educational positions are facing a shortage, but this is expected to be temporary as more and more begin to complete their own educational requirements for teaching positions. Certification is usually required and is based on a state's requirements.
Finally, other technological advances that are used most often include GPS (global positioning systems) and LIDAR (light imaging detection and ranging). These are especially helpful when incorporated for areas that are difficult or even impossible to get to any other way. Information that only ten years ago might have been unavailable is now readily explored via these technologies. Experts believe these tools will be advantageous on an environmental level since we're only now beginning to see the effects, previously unavailable until the development of LIDAR and GPS.
It's not surprising that the government reports jobs related to this field is the fastest growing sector in the American economy. As mentioned above, each state has its own certification procedures and most in this field are required to work alongside a mentor for a period of time. Using the statistics provided via BLS, between now and the year 2016, projections are for a 21% growth in demand. This is clearly the fastest growing field. And because nearly every company has a use for GIS, positions are expected to be defined as needed, further adding to the growth potential and expectations.
Income potential averages around $48,000, with some of the highest paid positions coming in at nearly $80,000. In short, job demand is there, it's an exciting and limitless career choice, and the income is above average with room to grow. |
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