What does a gis specialist do?
A GIS Specialist plans, develops, and implements systems and databases for storing and accessing geospatial data. They create maps and graphs using GIS software and related equipment.
Gis specialist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real gis specialist resumes:
- Implement and manage ESRI ArcSDE, ArcIMS servers and web services in the GIS development lab.
- Work extensively with SQL to achieve tight integration with the associated maps which include building tables, maintenance and accuracy checks.
- Manage client data and perform database extraction regularly to make timely data updates.
- Create python scripts, models and script tools for automation of spatial analysis and data management tasks.
- Develop and implement the conversion of project data to ArcSDE.
- Utilize Dojo to create and style interactive buttons within GIS application.
- Create .net WCF services for user authentication with md5 level encryption.
- Work with model builder and python scripts to batch process spatial data.
- Conduct cartography for parcel, zoning, base and specific use maps.
- Used windows service and GUI front end programming to implement windows forms.
- Import data, setup thematic maps, dot density maps, latitude/longitude maps.
- Separate the database connection from the display and the map control code in a generic MVC framework.
- Join and relate various attribute tables to perform SQL queries, data extraction, and for any sort of customer request.
- Landscape and biological GPS data-collection.
- Write ReadMe documentation and metadata.
Gis specialist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 10% of GIS Specialists are proficient in GPS, Python, 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 Specialists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- GPS, 10%
Supported field work preparation including data dictionary creation, geophysical and reconnaissance transect development, and provided daily GPS quality checks.
- Python, 8%
Developed and utilized Python scripts to assist with data verification and clean-up within a spatial database.
- Data Collection, 8%
Strengthened data collection processes and quality while standardizing formats for improved analysis through interdepartmental cooperation.
- Database Management, 6%
Assist in consultation with company clientele on license server management, user permission levels, and database management practices.
- Geospatial Data, 4%
Performed geospatial data building, modeling and analysis.
- CAD, 4%
Designed replications of structures through CAD for municipality reports.
Common skills that a gis specialist uses to do their job include "gps," "python," and "data collection." You can find details on the most important gis specialist responsibilities below.
Communication skills. The most essential soft skill for a gis specialist to carry out their responsibilities is communication skills. This skill is important for the role 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 specialist resume shows how their duties depend on communication skills: "work closely with cad department to maintain interdepartmental data and communication. "
Creativity. Another essential skill to perform gis specialist duties is creativity. Gis specialists responsibilities require that "because analysts are tasked with finding innovative solutions to computer problems, an ability to “think outside the box” is important." Gis specialists also use creativity in their role according to a real resume snippet: "visualized inventive practices for data collection using geospatial technologies. "
Analytical skills. This is an important skill for gis specialists to perform their duties. For an example of how gis specialist 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 specialist: "produced tabular and graphic display and generated 3d display and analysis for better visualization of the impact of the remediation effect. ".
The three companies that hire the most gis specialists are:
- CDM Smith576 gis specialists jobs
- Black & Veatch105 gis specialists jobs
- The Medicus Firm
33 gis specialists jobs
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Compare different gis specialists
Gis specialist vs. Mapping manager
A Geographic Information Systems Geographer collects, analyzes, and interprets geospatial data. They produce specialist mapping products.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, gis specialist responsibilities require skills like "python," "database management," "geospatial data," and "cad." Meanwhile a typical mapping manager has skills in areas such as "gis," "auto cad," "business plan," and "care management." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
The education levels that mapping managers earn slightly differ from gis specialists. In particular, mapping managers are 8.8% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a gis specialist. Additionally, they're 0.6% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Gis specialist vs. Geographic information systems geographer
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.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, gis specialist responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "python," "data collection," "database management," and "geospatial data." Meanwhile, a geographic information systems geographer has duties that require skills in areas such as "esri," "geographical data," "identify patterns," and "computer system." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
In general, geographic information systems geographers achieve higher levels of education than gis specialists. They're 9.7% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.6% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for gis specialists in the next 3-5 years?
Nathan Manser Ph.D.
Lecturer of Geological and Mining Engineering, Faculty Advisor to Innovative Global Solutions Enterprise, Michigan Technological University
Gis specialist vs. Gis internship
An information systems technician is responsible for maintaining the efficiency of various network systems' performance. Information systems technicians provide network troubleshooting, upgrading systems for optimization, maintaining the security of databases, managing the interaction of networks, and inspecting and troubleshooting system inconsistencies. Additional duties include creating network designs based on clients' specifications, configuring software and hardware applications, and creating reports on system issues and resolutions. An information systems technician must have excellent knowledge of information systems procedures, programming languages, detecting malfunctions, and making resolutions promptly.
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 specialist is likely to be skilled in "infrastructure," "visualization," "provide technical assistance," and "technical support," while a typical gis internship is skilled in "spatial database," "gis intern," "esri arcmap," and "sql."
Gis interns make a very good living in the professional industry with an average annual salary of $67,358. On the other hand, gis specialists are paid the highest salary in the energy industry, with average annual pay of $83,996.Most gis interns achieve a lower degree level compared to gis specialists. For example, they're 5.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Gis specialist vs. Information systems technician
Even though a few skill sets overlap between gis specialists and information systems technicians, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a gis specialist might have more use for skills like "gps," "python," "data collection," and "database management." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of information systems technicians require skills like "customer service," "troubleshoot," "phone calls," and "desk support. "
The government industry tends to pay the highest salaries for information systems technicians, with average annual pay of $63,116. Comparatively, the highest gis specialist annual salary comes from the energy industry.In general, information systems technicians hold lower degree levels compared to gis specialists. Information systems technicians are 9.9% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.3% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of gis specialist
Updated January 8, 2025
