Geographic Information Systems Specialist Science & Engineering Professionals
SaveWhat Does a Geographic Information Systems Specialist Do?
Geographic information systems specialists use specialised computer systems, engineering measures, and geological concepts to process land, geographic, and geospatial information into visually detailed digital maps and geomodels of a reservoir. They convert technical information like soil density and properties into digital representations of it for the usage of engineers, governments, and stakeholders interested.
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Where Do I Start?
Geomatics
The scientific discipline that studies gathering, storing, and processing geographic information.
Sign up to trackReady to go deeper? Pick up to 3 skills to focus on from the list below.
These are common skills for this role. Real-world experience matters more than ticking every box — use this as a guide, not a checklist.
Skills You Need to Become a Geographic Information Systems Specialist
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
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EssentialGeomatics knowledge
The scientific discipline that studies gathering, storing, and processing geographic information.
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EssentialGeographic Information Systems knowledge
The tools involved in geographical mapping and positioning, such as GPS (global positioning systems), GIS (geographical information systems), and RS (remote sensing).
Recommended Books
3 books -
EssentialSurveying knowledge
The technique of determining the terrestrial or three-dimensional position of points and the distances and angles between them.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialCartography knowledge
The study of interpreting the elements depicted in maps, the measures and technical specifications.
Recommended Books
2 booksDesigning Better Maps -
EssentialGeological Mapping knowledge
The technique used to create maps that clearly illustrate the geological features and rock layers of an area that may be useful for mining projects and geological explorations.
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialGeography knowledge
The scientific discipline that studies the land, phenomena, characteristics and inhabitants of Earth. This field seeks to understand the natural and man-made complexities of Earth.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialMathematics knowledge
Mathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. It involves the identification of patterns and formulating new conjectures based on them. Mathematicians strive to prove …
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialStatistics knowledge
The study of statistical theory, methods and practices such as collection, organisation, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data. It deals with all aspects of data including the planning of data …
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialApply Digital Mapping skill
Make maps by formatting compiled data into a virtual image that gives a precise representation of a specific area.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialApply Statistical Analysis Techniques skill
Use models (descriptive or inferential statistics) and techniques (data mining or machine learning) for statistical analysis and ICT tools to analyse data, uncover correlations and forecast trends.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialCreate Gis Reports skill
Use relevant geographic informations systems to create reports and maps based on geospatial information, using GIS software programmes.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialCreate Thematic Maps skill
Use various techniques such as choropleth mapping and dasymetric mapping to create thematic maps based on geospatial information, using software programmes.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialExecute Analytical Mathematical Calculations skill
Apply mathematical methods and make use of calculation technologies in order to perform analyses and devise solutions to specific problems.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPerform Surveying Calculations skill
Perform calculations and gather technical data in order to determine earth curvature corrections, traverse adjustments and closures, level runs, azimuths, marker placements, etc.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialProcess Collected Survey Data skill
Analyse and interpret survey data acquired from a wide variety of sources e.g. satellite surveys, aerial photography and laser measurement systems.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialUse Geographic Information Systems skill
Work with computer data systems such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialCollect Mapping Data skill
Collect and conserve mapping resources and mapping data.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialCompile Gis-Data skill
Gather and organise GIS-data from sources such as databases and maps.
Course recommendations coming soon.
Optional Skills (5 of 16 displayed)
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OptionalSurveying Methods knowledge
Have an understanding of surveying methods, remote sensing methods and equipment.
Recommended Books
3 books -
OptionalGeodesy knowledge
The scientific discipline that combines applied mathematics and earth sciences in order to measure and represent the Earth. It studies phenomena such as gravitational fields, polar motion, and tides.
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OptionalTopography knowledge
Graphic representation of the surface features of a place or region on a map indicating their relative positions and elevations.
Recommended Books
1 book -
OptionalCad Software knowledge
The computer-aided design (CAD) software for creating, modifying, analysing or optimising a design.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalPhotogrammetry knowledge
The science of taking photographs from at least two different locations in order to measure land surfaces to be represented in a map, 3D model or physical model.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalAnalyse Environmental Data skill
Analyse data that interpret correlations between human activities and environmental effects.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCollect Data Using Gps skill
Gather data in the field using Global Positioning System (GPS) devices.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCollect Geological Data skill
Participate in the collection of geological data such as core logging, geological mapping, geochemical and geophysical surveying, digital data capture, etc.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalConduct Land Surveys skill
Conduct surveys to determine the location and features of natural and man-made structures, on surface level as well as underground and underwater. Operate electronic distance-measuring equipment and digital measuring instruments.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalDevelop Geological Databases skill
Develop geological databases in order to acquire and organise information.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalInterpret Geophysical Data skill
Interpret data of a geophysical nature: Earth's shape, its gravitational and magnetic fields, its structure and composition, and geophysical dynamics and their surface expression in plate tectonics.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalOperate Surveying Instruments skill
Operate and adjust measuring instruments such as theodolites and prisms, and other electronic distance-measuring tools.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPerform Image Editing skill
Edit various types of images such as analogue and digital photographs or illustrations.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPrepare Visual Data skill
Prepare charts and graphs in order to present data in a visual manner.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalUse Cad Software skill
Use computer-aided design (CAD) systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation of a design.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalWrite Work-Related Reports skill
Compose work-related reports that support effective relationship management and a high standard of documentation and record keeping. Write and present results and conclusions in a clear and intelligible way so …
Course recommendations coming soon.