Occupation · SOC 15-1299.02
Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians
Assist scientists or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems (GIS) databases. May also perform some custom application development or provide user support.
Median wage
$108,970
$52,650–$176,800
Projected growth
+8.2%
Faster than average
Annual openings
3,850
per year
Employed (US)
439,380
Job Zone 3
Typical preparation
Medium preparation
Stackable credential programs
2,508 mapped
Core skills
Reading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingActive ListeningSpeakingComplex Problem SolvingJudgment and Decision MakingWritingSocial Perceptiveness
Knowledge areas
GeographyComputers and ElectronicsEnglish LanguageMathematicsDesign
Technology & tools
Data base user interface and query softwareDocument management softwareDevelopment environment softwareVideo creation and editing softwareGraphics or photo imaging software
Representative tasks
Produce data layers, maps, tables, or reports, using spatial analysis procedures or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, equipment, or systems.Design or prepare graphic representations of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data, using GIS hardware or software applications.Maintain or modify existing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases.Provide technical expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to clients or users.Perform computer programming, data analysis, or software development for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications, including the maintenance of existing systems or research and development for future enhancements.Enter data into Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases, using techniques such as coordinate geometry, keyboard entry of tabular data, manual digitizing of maps, scanning or automatic conversion to vectors, or conversion of other sources of digital data.Review existing or incoming data for currency, accuracy, usefulness, quality, or completeness of documentation.Perform geospatial data building, modeling, or analysis, using advanced spatial analysis, data manipulation, or cartography software.Design or coordinate the development of integrated Geographic Information Systems (GIS) spatial or non-spatial databases.Perform integrated or computerized Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analyses to address scientific problems.Select cartographic elements needed for effective presentation of information.Provide technical support to users or clients regarding the maintenance, development, or operation of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases, equipment, or applications.Collect, compile, or integrate Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data, such as remote sensing or cartographic data for inclusion in map manuscripts.Interpret aerial or ortho photographs.Meet with clients to discuss topics such as technical specifications, customized solutions, or operational problems.Document, design, code, or test Geographic Information Systems (GIS) models, internet mapping solutions, or other applications.Create, analyze, report, convert, or transfer data, using specialized applications program software.Confer with users to analyze, configure, or troubleshoot applications.Design, program, or model Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications or procedures.Develop specialized computer software routines, internet-based Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases, or business applications to customize geographic information.Make recommendations regarding upgrades, considering implications of new or revised Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, equipment, or applications.Assist users in formulating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) requirements or understanding the implications of alternatives.Create visual representations of geospatial data, using complex procedures such as analytical modeling, three-dimensional renderings, or plot creation.Transfer or rescale information from original photographs onto maps or other photographs.Prepare training materials for, or make presentations to, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) users.Apply three-dimensional (3D) or four-dimensional (4D) technologies to geospatial data to allow for new or different analyses or applications.Conduct research, data analysis, systems design, or support for software such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or Global Positioning Systems (GPS) mapping software.Read current literature, talk with colleagues, continue education, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, equipment, or systems.Recommend procedures, equipment, or software upgrades to increase data accessibility or ease of use.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
GIS data entry tasks — execute using keyboard input, manual digitizing, and coordinate geometry under direct supervision in a municipal or environmental office setting.Existing GIS databases — update and maintain basic records following established protocols and data standards on an entry-level technician team.Incoming spatial datasets — review for obvious errors, missing attributes, and formatting inconsistencies using checklist-based quality control procedures.Basic map layers — produce using standard GIS software templates and predefined symbology under close guidance from a senior technician.Scanned paper maps and tabular data — convert to digital vector formats using semi-automated tools with supervisor review before final submission.GIS hardware and software applications — operate at a foundational level to open, view, and navigate spatial datasets in a desktop GIS environment.Technical documentation and data dictionaries — read and apply to ensure correct attribute entry and layer naming conventions on assigned projects.Simple spatial queries — run using database user interface tools to retrieve and display specific geographic features for routine information requests.Colleagues and supervisors — communicate clearly about data discrepancies or workflow questions using active listening and concise verbal reporting.Basic coordinate systems and projections — identify and apply correctly when importing or exporting datasets in a supervised GIS workflow.
developing
Thematic maps and data tables — design and produce using spatial analysis procedures and GIS software with limited oversight for client-ready deliverables.Existing GIS databases — modify and reorganize by adding new feature classes, updating schema, and managing versioning in a multi-user geodatabase environment.Spatial data from multiple sources — evaluate for currency, accuracy, and completeness using established quality assurance workflows and metadata standards.GIS data layers — build and symbolize for graphic representations that communicate geographic relationships clearly to non-technical stakeholders.Routine GIS programming scripts — write and maintain using Python or SQL to automate repetitive data processing tasks in a production environment.Vector and raster data — digitize, georeference, and integrate from field collection, scanning, or third-party sources into a departmental GIS database.Spatial analysis tools — apply to answer moderately complex geographic questions such as proximity analysis, overlay operations, and network routing.Technical guidance — provide to end users on basic GIS software functionality, data access procedures, and map interpretation in a government or consulting context.CAD drawings and engineering files — convert and incorporate into GIS environments to support infrastructure or land-use mapping projects.Analytical or scientific GIS software — configure and use for intermediate modeling tasks including terrain analysis and watershed delineation.
proficient
Complex GIS databases — design, maintain, and optimize autonomously to support multi-department or multi-agency spatial data sharing and analysis needs.Advanced spatial analysis workflows — develop and execute using cartography, data manipulation, and modeling software to solve non-routine geographic problems.Custom GIS applications — program, test, and deploy using development environment software and scripting languages to extend core GIS platform capabilities.High-quality cartographic products — author independently, applying design principles, projection selection, and visual hierarchy for publication or public presentation.Incoming and legacy datasets — audit comprehensively for accuracy, lineage, and documentation quality, then remediate or flag according to organizational standards.Technical expertise in GIS methods — deliver to clients and interdisciplinary teams through training sessions, written guides, and one-on-one technical support.Geospatial models — build and validate using advanced analytical software to support planning, environmental assessment, or infrastructure management decisions.GIS data integration pipelines — construct using ETL processes and web services to automate data ingestion from field sensors, open data portals, and partner agencies.Complex spatial problems — analyze and resolve by combining deductive reasoning, mathematical methods, and multi-source data synthesis without external guidance.Reports and technical memoranda — write with precision and clarity to document GIS methodologies, findings, and recommendations for professional or regulatory audiences.
advanced
Enterprise GIS strategy — define and implement across an organization, aligning spatial data infrastructure with business objectives and long-term technology roadmaps.GIS competency frameworks and training curricula — develop and deliver to build technical capability across junior and mid-level technician staff at an organizational scale.Geospatial data governance policies — establish including metadata standards, access controls, and data lifecycle management to ensure enterprise-wide data quality.Cross-functional project teams — lead by coordinating GIS technicians, software developers, and subject-matter experts on large-scale mapping or analytics initiatives.Novel GIS research and development initiatives — direct by evaluating emerging spatial technologies, piloting new analytical methods, and driving adoption of innovations.Stakeholder relationships — cultivate at senior levels by translating complex geospatial capabilities into strategic value for executive decision-makers and external partners.Organization-wide GIS platform architecture — design and oversee including server infrastructure, web services, and mobile data collection systems for enterprise deployment.Quality assurance frameworks — author and enforce for all spatial data products organization-wide, setting measurable accuracy and completeness standards.Budget planning and resource allocation — lead for GIS programs by forecasting technology, staffing, and training investments aligned to departmental or agency priorities.Interdisciplinary collaboration — orchestrate between GIS, engineering, environmental science, and policy teams to deliver integrated spatial intelligence solutions at regional or national scale.
Also known as
281 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
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