Geographical information systems officer
Geographical information systems (GIS) is a fast-growing and important part of a number of businesses. According to the Association for Geographic Information (AGI) , estimates as to the size of the geographic information business in the UK vary from around £650million to over £900million (AGI, January 2012).
GIS are computerised systems used for the collection, storage, analysis, manipulation and presentation of complex geographical information, relevant to most sectors of government and commerce. Previously, this would have been a combination of electronic versions of traditional paper maps and social and economic data.
Roles within GIS can vary between company and sector. However all GIS officers are involved in the production of data and analysis to help plan and deliver services or products in areas such as defence, construction, oil, gas, water, telecoms, electricity, the environment, healthcare, transport planning and operation, retail location planning and logistics, insurance and finance. With such a wide range of possible roles available in the public, private and third sectors, there is even the potential to combine a career in GIS with other interests or passions.
As the world becomes more mobile, the rise of applications utilising GPS (global positioning systems) like geotagging photographs and augmented reality could lead to new uses for GIS and opportunities in the field.
Due to the wide range of organisations that use GIS, work activities vary for GIS officers and may include:
Collection of geographical information:
Storage, analysis and presentation of geographical information:
Many of the activities are project based and involve working with clients to clarify the nature and purpose of the information they require.
Salary figures are intended as a guide only.
Although this area of work is open to all graduates, certain subjects may strengthen your application. These include:
While this is an occupation open to graduates of any discipline, the most common route into the profession is with a degree or postgraduate qualification in geographical information systems (GIS), geography or computer sciences. Even though many geography degrees now include GIS modules, and many computer science degrees provide a range of programming and applications skills, GIS degrees offer the best mix of skills and knowledge with most departments boasting links with industry. However, depending on the position an understanding or expertise in other areas, such as retail or economics, could prove beneficial. Specific entry requirements vary between employers.
A degree or postgraduate qualification is often required, but diplomates may be able to get a post at a more junior level. Relevant HND subjects include:
A foundation degree in the following subjects may also be useful:
A range of postgraduate GIS courses are available. Employers tend to favour candidates who offer postgraduate qualifications and they are highly desirable for anyone who wants to obtain a management position in the future. Some employers may support and/or encourage you to obtain postgraduate qualifications alongside working.
As this occupation becomes more established and competitive, it is likely to become more difficult for people with less relevant qualifications to gain entry and candidates need to show evidence of the following:
Work experience and sandwich year placements may provide an advantage in job applications and are especially useful to graduates aiming to progress into GIS management in the future. Relevant experience might be a period undertaking data capture for a local council or an internship with a GIS consultancy.
Positions can be highly competitive as GIS becomes a more popular subject to study.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
Chartered geographer status (CGeog (GIS)) is offered by the Association for Geographic Information (AGI) in conjunction with the Royal Geographical Society . Candidates must have six or more years of direct GI experience or 15 years of GI related experience. The chartership scheme includes support to maintain continuing professional development (CPD) which is greatly encouraged as geographical information systems (GIS) undergoes continual change. A practitioner route is also available for those who have two years or less to go before they can apply for CGeog status.
The majority of training is on the job, although some large employers may provide in-house training. Software developers who introduce new programs for GIS provide training in the use of these packages.
Because the profession is multidisciplinary in its scope, further training in programming, communication and project management, or training in the knowledge of the specific sectors may be helpful.
Many people working in GIS report that they and the job have developed at the same time, so it is not so much a case of training for a specific role as being prepared to acquire whatever skills are necessary as the work develops.
As there is no typical route for career development, career progression depends on where you start. In geographical information systems (GIS), teams are often made up of a range of professionals including cartographers, computer programmers, data analysts, information officers/managers and project managers. If there is any such thing as a typical route for a GIS officer, it might be to progress on to project manager, and then to overall GIS manager, although there are other possibilities.
With so many areas to choose from, within both the private and the public sector, successful career development depends on clarifying your own particular interests early on. You could choose to focus on one of the following areas:
It is helpful to be aware that if you progress towards GIS management, your role is likely to shift balance from specific GIS activities to more managerial duties.
You may be able to move into other project management work outside GIS. Some people with a GIS background go on to set up their own consultancies. New GIS modules in computer science and geography degrees as well as in postgraduate courses present a few opportunities in academia.
When searching for jobs it is worth being aware that roles within GIS may have many different titles and may include:
There are also opportunities to work overseas once you have gained experience. Australia, Canada, Europe and the USA are all widening the applications of GIS and offer some employment possibilities.
With many organisations needing to relate physical information (e.g. the location of properties, quality of land, placement of utility cables) to other economic and social data (e.g. the density of population, anticipated social and healthcare needs of that population), geographical information systems (GIS) officers have the possibility of working for a range of organisations in the public, private and voluntary sectors, including:
The public sector has been a major source of GIS roles, however, recent cuts and recruitment freezes have meant there are currently fewer roles than in the past. Despite this, there may still be vacancies at:
GIS consultancies tend to specialise in one or more specific areas, such as natural resources and the environment, military, utilities, oil and gas, or property. They vary widely in size and scope.
For management-level jobs, recruitment agencies that specialise in IT, surveying and scientific jobs may be helpful. You can find agencies online through the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) .
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