DiscoverDataScience.org

  • Online
    • Online Masters in Business Analytics
    • Online Masters in Data Analytics
    • Online Masters in Data Science
    • Online Masters in Health Informatics
    • Online Masters in Information Systems
    • Top Affordable Online Master’s in Data Science
  • Programs
        • Bachelors in Data Science
        • Minor in Data Science
        • Masters in Data Science
        • MBA in Data Science / Data Analytics
        • Data Science PhD Programs
        • Additional Programs
        • Data Science Bootcamps
        • Data Science Certificate Programs
        • Associates Degree in Data Science
  • Related Programs
        • Masters in Business Analytics Programs
        • Masters in Data Analytics Programs
        • Masters in Health Informatics Programs
        • Masters in Information Systems Programs
        • PhD in Health Informatics
        • PhD in Information Systems
        • Other Degrees and Certificate Programs
        • Accounting Analytics
        • Actuarial Science
        • Cyber Security
        • Data Analytics and Visualization
        • Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
        • Sports Analytics
  • Schools By State
    • California
    • Florida
    • Georgia
    • Maryland
    • New Jersey
    • New York
    • Pennsylvania
    • Texas
    • Virginia
    • All Schools by State
  • Careers & Salary
        • Career Guides – How to Become:
        • Business Analyst
        • Business Intelligence Analyst
        • Data Analyst
        • Data Scientist
        • Machine Learning Engineer
        • Statistician
        • All Career Guides
        • Salary Guides
        • Careers in Data Science
        • Business Analyst
        • Data Analyst
        • Data Scientist
  • Resources
        • Articles
        • Data Science in the Health Care Industry
        • Data Storytelling
        • How to Use Deepfake
        • Journey through Data Science with the Data Professor
        • Top Reasons to Become a Data Scientist
        • What is Python and Why Important
        • + All Articles
        • FAQ
        • Data Analyst vs Data Scientist
        • Data Science vs Computer Science
        • Do You Need a PhD to Become a Data Scientist?
        • How to Get a Job as a Data Scientist?
        • Is Data Science Hard?
        • Is a PhD in Data Science Worth It?
        • What Can I Do With a Masters in Statistics?
        • What is Business Analytics?
        • What is Data Analytics?
        • +All FAQs
        • Social Good
        • Clean Water
        • Cyberbullying
        • Mental Health
        • Nonprofits
        • +All Social Good
        • Data Science in Industry
        • Artificial Intelligence AI
        • Biotechnology
        • Clean Energy
        • Health Care
        • Logistics
        • Marketing
        • Sports
        • + All Industries
        • Data Science Training Toolkits
        • Java
        • SAS
        • SQL
        • Tableau
        • +All Training
        • More Resources & Helpfull Guides
        • Data Science and Sustainability
        • Expert Interviews
        • Exploring a Career with Numbers
        • Income Sharing Agreements
        • Making Room for Diverse Populations in STEM
        • Scholarship Guide
        • +More Resources
        • Top Picks
        • Best Master’s Data Science Programs for 2023
        • Best Bachelor’s Data Science Programs for 2023
        • The Most Affordable Data Science Bachelor’s Programs for 2023
        • The Most Affordable Data Science Master’s Programs for 2023
FIND A PROGRAM
1
2
3
4
Sponsored Content

Guide to Geographic Information System (GIS) Careers

Overview

A Geographic Information System (GIS) applies geographic science with tools such as maps, data, analytics, and applications, to achieve actionable intelligence. With the rapid advances in technology and data collection over the past 50 years, GIS has developed from a concept to a science.  

Providing a framework to gather, organize, and analyze scientific data, GIS communicates insights to facilitate understanding and collaboration for its users. Based on the science of geography, modern GIS can transform many types of data into visualizations through maps and three-dimensional (3D) scenes, thereby revealing insights into patterns, relationships, and situations. 

Featured Programs:
Sponsored School(s)
Grand Canyon University Logo
Grand Canyon University
Featured Program: By earning a computer science degree, information technology degree or another technology degree from GCU, you will develop the skills for critical thinking, as well as hands-on, applicable and project-based experience.
Request Info
Arizona State University - Online Logo
Arizona State University - Online
Featured Program: Arizona State University’s Bachelor of Science in computer information systems (CIS) helps you develop the knowledge and skills needed to leverage technology used in any business or organization – a skill that’s valued across a wide range of industries.
Request Info

The purpose of GIS is to strengthen knowledge and drive data-driven decisions through participation, sharing, and collaboration. The evolution of the field has made it possible for GIS experts to address new and larger-scale issues like humanitarian and conservation efforts as well as business intelligence for product management and marketing. 

GIS technology is currently used in a wide variety of fields, including health, education, sustainability, public safety, government, natural resources, petroleum, retail, real estate, transportation, and related industries. 

As the demand for actionable data continues to increase globally, the prospects for GIS career growth are extremely promising. Not only is GIS a growing field, but it also offers competitive salaries, a variety of work and an opportunity to make a difference in the world. 

FIND SCHOOLS
Sponsored Content

The Emergence of GIS 

The field of geographic information systems (GIS) began in the 1960s along with the emergence of computers and quantitative and computational geography. Academic circles conducted GIS research before the field was officially recognized with the establishment of the National Center for Geographic Information and Analysis.  

Through formal research on key geographic information science topics and the ability to perform spatial analysis and visualization, GIS began its evolution into a powerful platform. 

GIS is primarily used to identify and illuminate problems that are driven by geography and with the ability to create bespoke digital map layers and solve real-world problems, GIS has created a method for data sharing and collaboration around the world. Organizations in almost every field are incorporating GIS to make key decisions that change the way the world works. GIS maps can be designed to identify problems, monitor change, manage and respond to events, perform forecasting, set priorities, understand trends, and as a result, solve complex problems. 

For example, geospatial data has become part of our everyday lives with popular platforms like Google Maps and Waze using application programming interfaces (APIs) to integrate the data into their apps. As a very different example, Ersi was commissioned by a consortium of more than 100 nations to create an interactive global map of Ecological Marine Units (EMUs)  with the purpose of supporting the more knowledgeable and informed use of ocean resources as well as the preservation of environmental resilience.  

How GIS Works 

Maps: Shared and embedded in apps, maps are a geographic container for data layers and analytics. Often interactive, GIS maps are accessible to virtually anyone with an internet connection. 

Data: GIS may integrate many different types of data layers by using spatial location, although most data have a geographic element. 

Analysis: Used to evaluate suitability and capability, as well as to estimate, predict, interpret, and understand, spatial analysis can offer a new perspective and directive to benefit or influence related decision-making and technology performance. 

Apps: As previously mentioned, apps like Google Maps deliver User Interface (UI) or User Experience (UX) prioritized technology. Whether an app is accessed on smartphones, tablets, or in a web browser, it brings GIS directly into your hands. 

GIS and Related Degrees at Glance 

There are several academic paths to a GIS career, including the following undergraduate and graduate Degree Programs by area of study: 

Geographic Information Science
Geography
Cartography
Surveying
Earth Science
Geoscience
Forensic Anthropology
Environmental Biology
Geospatial Science
Urban Planning
Engineering
Computer Science

Get Started in GIS 

Like in any field, you have to start somewhere and a degree in a GIS-related program is a great starting point for a career in GIS. Along with practical experience, an education in an associated area of study will also go a long way to advancing your eligibility for job placement in a continuously growing industry.  

The most common undergraduate degrees for GIS specialists are geography, cartography, or surveying, and these programs are usually under the domain of geography departments. However, GIS tools are used within an array of disciplines, and courses may also be found in engineering, forestry, geology, or environmental science programs. Many schools also offer minors, certificates, and master’s programs in GIS as well as in other geospatial technologies.  

Most employers will have a minimum requirement of a bachelor’s degree for an entry-level position. Although it depends on the industry, the most marketable GIS-related degrees are in geography, computer science, engineering, or urban planning. If you already have a bachelor’s degree in another field or do not want to change your major, you could supplement your college education with a GIS certificate program. Bear in mind, however, that those aspiring to managerial positions in GIS will be more successful if they have a master’s degree. 

One way to set yourself apart as a job candidate, or to advance in your career, is to earn GIS-related certifications. A Certified GIS Professional (GISP) can be earned through the GIS Certification Institute. Recognized and endorsed by several states, the Institute’s GIS certification has also been endorsed by the National Association of Counties. Esri Technical Certification is also available for Esri’s ArcGIS software. Esri products currently dominate the commercial GIS software market and are the software applications most often required by employers. 

If possible, try to secure an internship while working towards your degree. Hands-on experience will help you determine if GIS is the right career path for you as well as give you some marketable skills on your resume. You may also consider volunteering at a nonprofit or asking if you can shadow someone already working in the field. If not already part of your academic curriculum, consider taking courses in software development as computer programming will be an increasingly in-demand skill in GIS mapping. 

Salaries 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual pay for a GIS analyst is estimated to be about $85,220 as of May 2021. However, the BLS categorizes GIS analysts broadly as geographers.

Additional BLS-reported median salaries for GIS-based careers include:

  • Cartographers and photogrammetrists: $68,9000
  • Geoscientists: $83,680
  • Surveying and mapping technicians: $46,910
  • Surveyors: $61,600

However, GIS professionals might also have titles like information systems technician, GIS technician, systems analyst, or GIS manager.

Career Demand 

According to Prescient & Strategic Intelligence market research, the global GIS market is projected to be worth $25.6 billion by 2030 and registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.1% during 2021–2030. This forecast is based upon the increasing investments by government organizations, increased use of spatial data and cloud technology, growing implementation of enterprise GIS solutions, and increased demand for GIS-based solutions for location-as-a-service (LaaS) platforms. 

Adding to the surging demand for GIS solutions is in part the ongoing effects of the 2021 global pandemic COVID-19, and high adoption of GIS technology to map the spread pattern of the disease to implement surveillance and preventive measures. To mitigate the effects of COVID-19, numerous government agencies are utilizing GIS capabilities, including location intelligence, spatial analytics, and mapping. 

2021 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for geographers, cartographers, geoscientists, surveying technicians, and surveyors reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed January 2023.

FIND SCHOOLS
Sponsored Content
FIND A PROGRAM
1
2
3
4
Sponsored Content
  • Career Guides
  • Artificial Intelligence Engineer
  • Business Analyst
  • Business Intelligence Analyst
  • Data Analyst
  • Data Analytics Manager
  • Data Architect
  • Data Engineer
  • Data Mining Specialist
  • Database Administrator
  • Database Developer
  • Information Security Analyst
  • Machine Learning Engineer
  • Marketing Analyst
  • Software Developer
  • Statistician
  • Data Science Toolkit
  • Hadoop
  • Hive
  • Java
  • Python
  • R
  • SAS
  • SQL
  • Tableau
  • Data Science Articles
  • 10 Data Science Types
  • AI and Data Science
  • The Increasing Importance of Health Informatics
  • Python Growth Rate Predictions
  • Data-as-a-Service (DaaS)
  • Data Science Trends 2023
  • Cybersecurity Analyst vs. Engineer
  • Data Science in Education
  • Do You Need a PhD to Become a Data Scientist?
  • Best Big Data Conferences 2023
  • Data Science Focus Areas
  • Is a PhD in Data Science Worth It?
  • Is Data Science Hard?
  • Marketing Analytics Degree Online
  • Transferable Data Science Skills
  • Transitioning to Data Science
  • What Can I Do With a Masters in Statistics?
  • What Companies Hire Data Scientists?
  • What Is Cyber Science?
  • How to Read Crypto Charts
  • Breaking Down the Top Data Science Algorithms + Methods
  • Journey through Data Science with the Data Professor
  • How to Build a Data Science Portfolio & Resume
  • The Significance of Data Community Building
  • Developer Impostor Syndrome
  • How to Improve Programming Skills
  • Data Science Degree Vs. Training
  • Why Data Destruction is Important for your Business
  • Data Storytelling: Mastering Data Science’s Core Skillset
  • What is a Marketing Funnel and How to Create One
  • Building a Data Science Brand
  • Interviewing for Data Careers
  • Top 5 Reasons to Become a Data Scientist
  • What is Data Analytics?
  • What is Business Analytics?
  • What is Quantum Machine Learning?
  • What is Predictive Analytics?
  • Data Science vs. Statistics
  • Data Mining vs. Machine Learning
  • Business Analyst vs. Data Scientist
  • Data Scientist vs. Software Engineer
  • Data Science vs. Computer Science
  • Data Engineer vs. Data Scientist
  • Data Analyst vs. Data Scientist
  • How to Use Deepfake Technology
  • Java vs. JavaScript
  • What Is Python Used For & Why Is It Important to Learn?
  • Artificial Intelligence as a Trending Field
  • Data Science in Health Care
  • Guide to a Career in Criminal Intelligence
  • Guide to a Career in Health Informatics
  • Guide to Geographic Information System (GIS) Careers
  • Data Science Ph.D.
  • Expert Interview: Dr. Sudipta Dasmohapatra
  • Expert Interview: Sandra Altman
  • Expert Interview: Tony Johnson
  • Expert Interview: Bob Muenchen
  • Industries Using Data Science
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Biotechnology
  • Finance
  • Health Care
  • Insurance
  • Law Enforcement
  • Logistics
  • Marketing and Advertising
  • Sports
  • Clean Energy
  • Online Guides
  • Data Science
  • Data Analytics
  • Business Analytics
  • Information Systems
  • Health Informatics
  • Programs
  • Online
  • Resources
  • Related Programs

© Copyright 2025 | https://www.discoverdatascience.org | All Rights Reserved

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use