What does a gis analyst do?

A GIS Analyst is responsible for the development and implementation of geographic information systems. They provide expertise, support, assistance, and guidance to various geographic variables in a specific area.
Gis analyst responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real gis analyst resumes:
- Manage and collect data from NGA, NATO partners, and other organizations to support military training simulations.
- Manage vector, raster, and cad data for cultural resources, public works, forestry and planning departments.
- Manage the creation and development of a GIS mapping system for a local waste management company using ArcGIS and ArcGIS Online.
- Construct, implement and manage state-wide seismic hazard and infrastructure mapping projects.
- Manage client data and perform database extraction regularly to make timely data updates.
- Design and test web application using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
- Train new staff members on scope equipment and executing procedure such as ERCP, EGD, EUS, and colonoscopy.
- Experience d in colonscopy, EGD, ERCP procedures.
- Create python and SQL scripts to help simplify data checks in ArcMap.
- Collect and extract data, using SQL expression definition queries, spatial analysis and selections.
- Develop and improve on organizational websites using HTML, CSS, JavaScript and other web development software.
- Prepare procedure rooms and patients for examination, handle inventories, and maintained/replenish necessary medical supplies and materials
- Deploy XML schemas for the CIDX messages.
- Add functionality with jQuery libraries.
- Develop XML inbound and XML outbound maps.
Gis analyst skills and personality traits
We calculated that 8% of GIS Analysts are proficient in GPS, Spatial Data, and Data Collection. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Creativity, and Analytical skills.
We break down the percentage of GIS Analysts that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- GPS, 8%
Uploaded data and utilized GPS units and locator tools to navigate to obscured equipment and environmental monitoring wells.
- Spatial Data, 8%
Contributed with Geographical Information System project consulting, data management, and graphic design for various clients seeking interactive spatial data.
- Data Collection, 7%
Managed data collection and mapping projects throughout the organization, in support of various decision-making efforts across the organization.
- Esri Arcgis, 4%
Digitized maps using ESRI ArcGIS 9.1 and conducted satellite imagery interpretation following project-specific guidance from clients.
- Database Design, 4%
Prepared Metadata Architecture for database design of the central repository for query enhancement and clarification of data relationships
- CAD, 4%
Supplied data maintenance and conversion of CAD drawings for Indianapolis International Airport Authority GIS implementation project.
Most gis analysts use their skills in "gps," "spatial data," and "data collection" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential gis analyst responsibilities here:
Communication skills. One of the key soft skills for a gis analyst to have is communication skills. You can see how this relates to what gis analysts do because "analysts work as a go-between with management and the it department and must explain complex issues in a way that both will understand." Additionally, a gis analyst resume shows how gis analysts use communication skills: "exported maps to pdf format for better communication and visualization. "
Creativity. Another essential skill to perform gis analyst duties is creativity. Gis analysts responsibilities require that "because analysts are tasked with finding innovative solutions to computer problems, an ability to “think outside the box” is important." Gis analysts also use creativity in their role according to a real resume snippet: "perform a thorough inventory of existing geospatial data, organize and curate an in-house geospatial library. "
Analytical skills. This is an important skill for gis analysts to perform their duties. For an example of how gis analyst responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "analysts must interpret complex information from various sources and decide the best way to move forward on a project." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a gis analyst: "created 3d visualizations of farms with arcgis 3d analyst extension for unmanned air vehicle flight paths and data visualization. ".
The three companies that hire the most gis analysts are:
- Stantec51 gis analysts jobs
- The Medicus Firm
46 gis analysts jobs
- Woods Services18 gis analysts jobs
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Gis analyst vs. Gis internship
A GIS (Geographic Information Systems) intern is responsible for assisting the data analyst team on project management operations, data processing procedures, and advocacy program planning. GIS interns shadow all the processes of the organization, performing administrative and clerical duties under the supervision of a direct manager. They also assist with developing strategic procedures for process improvement and product development. A GIS intern should have excellent communication and organizational skills, as well as the ability to multitask and learn tasks within strict deadlines.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between gis analysts and gis internship. For instance, gis analyst responsibilities require skills such as "database design," "visualization," "sql server," and "technical support." Whereas a gis internship is skilled in "python," "spatial database," "gis intern," and "esri arcmap." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Gis interns really shine in the professional industry with an average salary of $67,358. Comparatively, gis analysts tend to make the most money in the utilities industry with an average salary of $79,998.On average, gis interns reach lower levels of education than gis analysts. Gis interns are 5.3% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Gis analyst vs. Business analyst/quality analyst
A business analyst/quality analyst is responsible for evaluating business outputs and operational processes to ensure that everything adheres to the quality standards and business regulations. Business analysts/quality analysts support senior management in determining solutions to improve the company's services and provide the highest satisfaction for the customers and clients. They also conduct data and statistical analysis by assessing the market trends to identify opportunities that would generate more revenue resources and increase profitability for the business.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real gis analyst resumes. While gis analyst responsibilities can utilize skills like "gps," "spatial data," "data collection," and "esri arcgis," business analysts/quality analysts use skills like "test cases," "qa," "uat," and "microsoft visio."
Business analysts/quality analysts may earn a higher salary than gis analysts, but business analysts/quality analysts earn the most pay in the finance industry with an average salary of $94,836. On the other hand, gis analysts receive higher pay in the utilities industry, where they earn an average salary of $79,998.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Business analysts/quality analysts tend to reach higher levels of education than gis analysts. In fact, they're 8.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for gis analysts in the next 3-5 years?
Lecturer of Geological and Mining Engineering, Faculty Advisor to Innovative Global Solutions Enterprise, Michigan Technological University
Gis analyst vs. Contractor-business analyst
A contractor-business analyst is responsible for analyzing business processes and strategizing on efficient project management techniques to enhance productivity goals and achieve maximum performance. Contractor-business analysts conduct data and statistical analysis to determine areas of improvement and identify business opportunities that would generate more revenue resources and increase profits. They also review client accounts, measure sales performance, and design solutions by utilizing various software applications and system tools. A contractor-business analyst advises the management of necessary training for the staff to enhance services and close more business partnerships.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a gis analyst is likely to be skilled in "gps," "spatial data," "data collection," and "esri arcgis," while a typical contractor-business analyst is skilled in "business process," "visio," "data entry," and "hr."
When it comes to education, contractor-business analysts tend to earn similar degree levels compared to gis analysts. In fact, they're 1.4% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 1.3% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Gis analyst vs. Gis technician
A GIS Technician is responsible for making maps and customizing geographic information systems applications. They also provide technical support to users or clients regarding the maintenance, development, or operation of geographic information systems databases.
Even though a few skill sets overlap between gis analysts and gis technicians, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a gis analyst might have more use for skills like "database design," "visualization," "sql server," and "web application." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of gis technicians require skills like "patients," "patient care," "python," and "customer service. "
The utilities industry tends to pay the highest salaries for gis technicians, with average annual pay of $67,145. Comparatively, the highest gis analyst annual salary comes from the utilities industry.In general, gis technicians hold lower degree levels compared to gis analysts. Gis technicians are 6.7% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of gis analyst
Updated January 8, 2025











