What Is a Geospatial Information Scientist?

A geospatial information scientist uses computer software to collect, analyze, and interpret spatial data. They assess how people use surrounding spaces and how this usage evolves. By carefully analyzing data, geospatial information scientists can guide decision-making on practical space usage and enhance public understanding of social and environmental dynamics, such as climate, population, and resources. 

To learn more about this growing field, explore a geospatial information scientist's daily responsibilities, salary, job outlook data, and information on how to pursue a career as a geospatial information scientist. If you're interested in learning more, consider enrolling in the GIS, Mapping, and Spatial Analysis Specialization from the University of Toronto, where you'll learn the concepts, tools, and techniques to make great maps that answer geographic questions.

What is geospatial information science?

Geospatial information science (GIS) is a field that uses mapped data, including aerial photographs, digital elevation models, and satellite imagery, to solve problems, answer questions, and improve decision-making. The discipline aims to spatially integrate data and computing resources for environmental modeling, business intelligence, and smart-city development applications. 

You likely have experienced firsthand the work of geospatial information scientists in your daily life. Their contributions include location-based services and mobile geospatial applications (apps) that allow you to search for information based on proximity to your location or connect with friends and family on social networks. Geospatial information scientists often analyze traffic flow data that transportation planners may use when making infrastructure decisions, such as where to build bridges.

Using evolving technologies, you can gather and analyze large amounts of environmental, social, and economic data about people and places. This capability makes geospatial information science important for social-environmental inventory, planning, and prediction regarding essentials like food, water, energy, and health.

What does a geospatial information scientist do?

As a geospatial information scientist, you measure and study how people use the space around them and seek to identify the most effective ways to use that space. You use GIS technology and research to plan agricultural and urban development, create maps and geospatial software, develop global positioning system (GPS) data, investigate landscape changes, assess the impacts of climate change on land, and support conservation management and disaster relief efforts. Consequently, your daily job responsibilities as a geospatial information scientist vary widely.

Job responsibilities

The responsibilities of a geospatial information scientist differ and can be loosely categorized as follows: visualization and data analysis, software development and technical implementation, client services and consultation, and management and coordination.

• Visualization and data analysis: This role may involve collecting, compiling, or integrating GIS data into map manuscripts. Your responsibilities may also include assessing data quality and performing geospatial data building, modeling, or analysis. Other possible duties might involve using spatial analysis procedures or GIS technology to create data layers and maps, designing graphic representations of GIS data, and using three-dimensional renderings or analytical modeling for visual data representations.

• Software development and technical implementation: Your job will likely include designing, developing, programming, testing, and modeling GIS applications and internet mapping solutions. Be prepared to create software routines, internet-based GIS databases, and business applications that customize geographic information areas such as farmland preservation, pollution measurement, and utility operations management.

• Client services and consultation: Depending on your role in the field, you might meet with clients and users to provide technical expertise in GIS technology and recommend software, equipment, or applications. 

• Management and coordination: If you transition into a management role, your tasks may include training and supervising geospatial technicians and other staff in GIS and coordinating research or publication efforts. You may also take on project management responsibilities, develop GIS projects, and determine priorities, schedules, and budgets.

Geospatial information scientists can work across various sectors, including agriculture, construction, conservation, energy, natural resources, regional planning, public health, gaming and app development, and climate science. Your daily responsibilities will likely depend on your industry and specific role. 

Geospatial information scientist salary and job outlook

Geospatial scientists are seeing growing demand across sectors, including local, state, and federal agencies, consulting and technology companies, and higher education institutions. Due to the increasing application of GIS technology and investment in infrastructure, you can expect the geographic information system market to grow annually by 8.7 percent from 2024 to 2030 [1]. Professionals in geospatial information science may also work as cartographers, regional planners, data scientists, or software engineers, all of which show favorable expected growth rates. 

The average annual salary for a geospatial information scientist is $111,782 [2]. Total median pay for other roles you might consider exploring as a geospatial information scientist is as follows:

• GIS Cartographer: $70,000 [3]

• Regional planner: $117,000 [4]

• Data scientist: $151,000 [5]

• Software engineer: $147,000 [6]

How to become a geospatial information scientist

Your path to a career as a geospatial information scientist will likely begin with earning a higher education degree, followed by additional training, certifications, or hands-on experience in the field.

Geospatial scientist education

Geospatial information scientists typically hold higher education degrees; Sixty percent of professionals in the field possess a bachelor’s degree, 30 percent hold a master’s degree, and 10 percent have a doctorate [7]. Common fields of study include geography, computer science, intelligence operations, and biology. Earning a geospatial information scientist degree is possible, with several colleges offering programs specific to the field.

Geospatial information scientist certification

Certification or certificate programs can help you differentiate yourself as you begin your career in geospatial information science. These programs can also provide specialized training tailored to the field. You can find certificate programs that offer a broad overview of geospatial information science, or you can seek focused programs in specific areas, such as GIS or spatial data science. 

Geospatial information scientist skills

Building a career in geospatial information science means developing a strong mix of technical and workplace skills. By gaining expertise in key areas, such as data analysis, mapping software, and collaboration, you can prepare for a wide range of opportunities in this growing field. In-demand skills within these areas include:

• GIS and mapping: ESRI ArcGIS software, ESRI ArcSDE, RockWorks, and GIS systems and software

• Programming and analysis: Structured query language (SQL), Microsoft SQL Server, Python, R, and JavaScript

• Operating systems: Linux, UNIX, Shell script, and Apple iOS

• Design and visual tools: Autodesk AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Cloud, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Microsoft Visio

• Productivity: Microsoft Office

• Additional skills: Problem-solving, communication, collaboration, organization, social perception, and adaptability

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