Science & ResearchISCO 2165

Geographic information systems specialist

A geographic information systems specialist is a person who turns information about land into detailed digital maps and spatial models.

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Rate 5 of the 20 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

execute analytical mathematical calculations

apply statistical analysis techniques

use geographic information systems

compile GIS-data

perform surveying calculations

About geographic information systems specialist

The specialist works with land, geographic and geospatial information, using geographic information systems together with engineering methods and geological concepts. The specialist gathers cartographic data, organises it in databases, and applies digital mapping techniques so that survey results, imagery and registers can be laid over each other in one coordinate system. Out of that come digital maps and reservoir geomodels, spatial representations of what lies below the surface.

The specialist also converts technical information such as soil density and soil properties into digital representations fit for further calculation, carries out analytical mathematical calculations and applies statistics. Knowledge of cartography and geography supports this work.

The output goes to engineers, to public authorities and to interested parties who decide on the strength of it whether something will be built or extracted. Which survey work requires a licensed surveyor is set by the rules of each country.

Key Work Functions

Core areas of responsibility for a geographic information systems specialist.

Data Collection and Survey Processing

Collect mapping data from field surveys, GPS measurements, and remote sensing sources
Process and validate collected survey data to ensure accuracy and completeness
Perform surveying calculations and coordinate transformations between different spatial reference systems

GIS Data Analysis and Modeling

Use geographic information systems software to process, analyze, and interpret geospatial data
Apply statistical analysis techniques to identify patterns and relationships in spatial data
Compile and organize GIS data from multiple sources into unified databases

Cartography and Map Production

Create thematic maps that visualize specific geographic phenomena such as land use, geology, or demographics
Apply digital mapping techniques to produce high-quality cartographic products
Design map layouts and symbology to effectively communicate spatial information to diverse audiences

Report Generation and Documentation

Create comprehensive GIS reports that document analysis methodology, findings, and recommendations
Prepare technical documentation for geospatial databases and analysis procedures

Geospatial Data Management

Design and maintain geospatial databases using relational database management systems
Ensure data quality, metadata documentation, and adherence to geospatial data standards

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (20)

geological mappinggeological mappingThe technique used to create maps that clearly illustrate the geological features and rock layers of an area that may be useful for mining projects and geological explorations.surveyingsurveyingThe technique of determining the terrestrial or three-dimensional position of points and the distances and angles between them.geographic information systemsgeographic information systemsThe tools involved in geographical mapping and positioning, such as GPS (global positioning systems), GIS (geographical information systems), and RS (remote sensing).mathematicsmathematicsMathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. It involves the identification of patterns and formulating new conjectures based on them. Mathematicians strive to pr...statisticsstatisticsThe study of statistical theory, methods and practices such as collection, organisation, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data. It deals with all aspects of data including the planning of ...geographygeographyThe scientific discipline that studies the land, phenomena, characteristics and inhabitants of Earth. This field seeks to understand the natural and man-made complexities of Earth. It explores the soc...environmental designenvironmental designThe approach that is used to face environmental problems related to buildings, plans, and products in various fields such as engineering, interior design and architecture.execute analytical mathematical calculationsexecute analytical mathematical calculationsApply mathematical methods and make use of calculation technologies in order to perform analyses and devise solutions to specific problems.apply statistical analysis techniquesapply statistical analysis techniquesUse models (descriptive or inferential statistics) and techniques (data mining or machine learning) for statistical analysis and ICT tools to analyse data, uncover correlations and forecast trends.use geographic information systemsuse geographic information systemsWork with computer data systems such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS).compile GIS-datacompile GIS-dataGather and organise GIS-data from sources such as databases and maps.perform surveying calculationsperform surveying calculationsPerform calculations and gather technical data in order to determine earth curvature corrections, traverse adjustments and closures, level runs, azimuths, marker placements, etc.apply digital mappingapply digital mappingMake maps by formatting compiled data into a virtual image that gives a precise representation of a specific area.use databasesuse databasesUse software tools for managing and organising data in a structured environment which consists of attributes, tables and relationships in order to query and modify the stored data.collect mapping datacollect mapping dataCollect and conserve mapping resources and mapping data.cartographycartographyThe study of interpreting the elements depicted in maps, the measures and technical specifications.process collected survey dataprocess collected survey dataAnalyse and interpret survey data acquired from a wide variety of sources e.g. satellite surveys, aerial photography and laser measurement systems.geomaticsgeomaticsThe scientific discipline that studies gathering, storing, and processing geographic information.create GIS reportscreate GIS reportsUse relevant geographic informations systems to create reports and maps based on geospatial information, using GIS software programmes.create thematic mapscreate thematic mapsUse various techniques such as choropleth mapping and dasymetric mapping to create thematic maps based on geospatial information, using software programmes.

Optional (23) — show

spatial planningspatial planningAn interdisciplinary field of study between engineering and social sciences. It refers to the planning of economic, environmental and social processes for specific aims. These processes are combined w...surveying methodssurveying methodsThe fundamental principles and procedures of surveying applied to civil engineering, including remote sensing methods, and related equipment.topographytopographyGraphic representation of the surface features of a place or region on a map indicating their relative positions and elevations.geodesygeodesyThe scientific discipline that combines applied mathematics and earth sciences in order to measure and represent the Earth. It studies phenomena such as gravitational fields, polar motion, and tides.CAD softwareCAD softwareThe computer-aided design (CAD) software for creating, modifying, analysing or optimising a design.use an application-specific interfaceuse an application-specific interfaceUnderstand and use interfaces particular to an application or use case.collect geological datacollect geological dataParticipate in the collection of geological data such as core logging, geological mapping, geochemical and geophysical surveying, digital data capture, etc.use spreadsheets softwareuse spreadsheets softwareUse software tools to create and edit tabular data to carry out mathematical calculations, organise data and information, create diagrams based on data and to retrieve them.use presentation softwareuse presentation softwareUse software tools to create digital presentations which combine various elements, such as graphs, images, text and other multimedia.conduct land surveysconduct land surveysConduct surveys to determine the location and features of natural and man-made structures, on surface level as well as underground and underwater. Operate electronic distance-measuring equipment and d...develop computer vision systemdevelop computer vision systemApply and combine different computer vision tools and methods such as image acquisition, image processing, image segmentation and classification, detection, etc. in one system to allow computers to ex...develop geological databasesdevelop geological databasesDevelop geological databases in order to acquire and organise information.store digital data and systemsstore digital data and systemsUse software tools to archive data by copying and backing them up, in order to ensure their integrity and to prevent data loss.solve location and navigation problems by using GPS toolssolve location and navigation problems by using GPS toolsUse applications and devices which provide users with accurate assessment of their location using system of satellites, such as navigation systems.analyse environmental dataanalyse environmental dataAnalyse data that interpret correlations between human activities and environmental effects.write work-related reportswrite work-related reportsCompose work-related reports that support effective relationship management and a high standard of documentation and record keeping. Write and present results and conclusions in a clear and intelligib...perform image editingperform image editingEdit various types of images such as analogue and digital photographs or illustrations.operate surveying instrumentsoperate surveying instrumentsOperate and adjust measuring instruments such as theodolites and prisms, and other electronic distance-measuring tools.interpret geophysical datainterpret geophysical dataInterpret data of a geophysical nature: Earth's shape, its gravitational and magnetic fields, its structure and composition, and geophysical dynamics and their surface expression in plate tectonics.prepare visual dataprepare visual dataPrepare charts and graphs in order to present data in a visual manner.collect data using GPScollect data using GPSGather data in the field using Global Positioning System (GPS) devices.use CAD softwareuse CAD softwareUse computer-aided design (CAD) systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation of a design.photogrammetryphotogrammetryThe science of taking photographs from at least two different locations in order to measure land surfaces to be represented in a map, 3D model or physical model.

Related Occupations

Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.

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Frequently asked questions

What does a geographic information systems specialist do?

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 to be used by engineers, governments and interested stakeholders.

What skills does a geographic information systems specialist need?

A geographic information systems specialist needs 20 essential skills, including geological mapping, surveying, geographic information systems, mathematics, statistics.

Will AI replace geographic information systems specialist jobs?

The AI disruption score for geographic information systems specialist is 82/100 (very high risk). Skills most exposed to automation: store digital data and systems, process collected survey data, perform surveying calculations. Most resilient: surveying, conduct land surveys, operate surveying instruments.

AI Replacement Risk

82/ 100

Very High Risk

Low riskHigh risk

Skills most at risk from AI

store digital data and systems process collected survey data perform surveying calculations

Skills resilient to automation

surveying conduct land surveys operate surveying instruments

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Quick Facts

SectorScience & Research

ISCO GroupScience and engineering professionals

Essential Skills20

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