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Geospatial technician vs geographic information systems geographer

The differences between geospatial technicians and geographic information systems geographers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a geospatial technician and a geographic information systems geographer. Additionally, a geographic information systems geographer has an average salary of $58,644, which is higher than the $42,643 average annual salary of a geospatial technician.

The top three skills for a geospatial technician include python, visualization and production tasks. The most important skills for a geographic information systems geographer are GPS, esri, and .

Geospatial technician vs geographic information systems geographer overview

Geospatial TechnicianGeographic Information Systems Geographer
Yearly salary$42,643$58,644
Hourly rate$20.50$28.19
Growth rate21%10%
Number of jobs7,845112,832
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 78%Bachelor's Degree, 50%
Average age4444
Years of experience66

What does a geospatial technician do?

Geospatial technicians majorly assist other geospatial analysts and project managers to build, manage, and make use of GIS databases to identify spatial relationships. Their job is to create customized maps and GIS applications or software. Furthermore, they are expected to review and interpret all GIS data, maps, and graphs. They are also expected to analyze applications of software, create data reports, and digital 3D models. Their job duties also involve updating satellite navigation systems and providing technical support to users.

What does a geographic information systems geographer do?

A Geographic Information Systems Geographer collects, analyzes, and interprets geospatial data. They produce specialist mapping products.

Geospatial technician vs geographic information systems geographer salary

Geospatial technicians and geographic information systems geographers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Geospatial TechnicianGeographic Information Systems Geographer
Average salary$42,643$58,644
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $59,000Between $33,000 And $103,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between geospatial technician and geographic information systems geographer education

There are a few differences between a geospatial technician and a geographic information systems geographer in terms of educational background:

Geospatial TechnicianGeographic Information Systems Geographer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 78%Bachelor's Degree, 50%
Most common majorGeographyGeography
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaNorthwestern University

Geospatial technician vs geographic information systems geographer demographics

Here are the differences between geospatial technicians' and geographic information systems geographers' demographics:

Geospatial TechnicianGeographic Information Systems Geographer
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 74.6% Female, 25.4%Male, 51.9% Female, 48.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 12.0% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 12.0% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between geospatial technician and geographic information systems geographer duties and responsibilities

Geospatial technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage mapping-grade GPS operations for field crews and map all data.
  • Lead projects and report to management the status of co-workers feature extraction.
  • Generate GIS database updates manually and manage automated unix-base system to apply records to client database.
  • Perform imagery 3D analysis and extraction from satellite imagery using BAE SocetSet version 5.6.0 and ESRI ArcMap 10.1.
  • Perform data collection from LiDAR and manipulate GIS files for a wide variety of clients
  • Used ESRI ArcGIS software to create and maintain data, and produce custom maps in an efficient manner.
  • Show more

Geographic information systems geographer example responsibilities.

  • Manage and maintain mapping server and software including QGIS, ESRI, and SiteIntel software.
  • Prepare PCs for turn-in for disposal and destruction, removing all confidential data/recycle key parts/update inventory.
  • Recognize for excellent communication skills written/verbal with customers explaining in detail specific problems and procedures for repairing PCs.
  • Produce maps of environmentally sensitive area and maintain a GIS database for information relate to the project regarding water quality compliance.
  • Develop written documentation and PowerPoint presentations to facilitate offshore user training on computer equipment and software.

Geospatial technician vs geographic information systems geographer skills

Common geospatial technician skills
  • Python, 17%
  • Visualization, 10%
  • Production Tasks, 8%
  • Remote Sensing, 8%
  • Esri, 7%
  • Extraction, 7%
Common geographic information systems geographer skills
  • GPS, 71%
  • Esri, 29%

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