How To Become A Geospatial Analyst: What It Is and Career Path

What is a geospatial analyst and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted expert

B.L. Turner

Geospatial analysts analyze data from geological systems and record them. They use GPS systems, cartographic records, aerial photographs, and even soil samples to compile their data. From this, they create databases used by private companies or governmental organizations. The work of geospatial analysis is essential to the military, NASA, and the FBI.

The job may involve producing data layers and maps, studying photographs and samples of the environment, and staying updated on current industry literature. Geospatial analysts may also meet with clients to discuss their findings and their impact on projects.

Most geospatial analysts have at least a master's degree in civil engineering, cartographic science, geographic information systems, or related fields. They may also have a cumulative educational background that compiles all of these areas.

What general advice would you give to a geospatial analyst?

B.L. Turner

Arizona State University

All of the STEM elements that permit analysis of remotely sensed data, foremost satellite data, GIS analysis, spatial analysis, and ability to integrate social and biophysical elements of problems

ScoreGeospatial AnalystUS Average

Salary

4.9

Avg. Salary $62,823

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.1

Growth rate 3%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

2.9

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.67%

Asian 2.87%

Black or African American 12.94%

Hispanic or Latino 14.62%

Unknown 5.03%

White 63.87%

Gender

female 27.01%

male 72.99%

Age - 44

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44

Stress level

6.1

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.5

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

6.3

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a geospatial analyst

Explore geospatial analyst education requirements

Most common geospatial analyst degrees

Bachelor's

64.9 %

Associate

16.4 %

Master's

10.9 %

Start to develop specific geospatial analyst skills

Skills	Percentages
Geospatial Data	8.99%
Geospatial Analysis	8.64%
Remote Sensing	5.73%
Visualization	5.48%
Python	5.17%

Complete relevant geospatial analyst training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New geospatial analysts learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a geospatial analyst based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real geospatial analyst resumes.

Research geospatial analyst duties and responsibilities

Manage and analyze large amounts of LiDAR data for design and construction of transmission lines and substations.
Implement and run python scripts and SQL queries to automate complex GIS processes and to extract specific information from data sets.
Consider expert level user in ESRI ArcGIS 9.3 and 10.0 and all ESRI desktop extensions.
Provide on-going reach back capability to NGA headquarters and the intelligence community (IC) at large.

Prepare your geospatial analyst resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your geospatial analyst resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a geospatial analyst resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

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