The Role of a GIS Analyst:
Responsibilities, Skills, and Salary
Are you interested in exploring the Geographic Information System (GIS) and becoming a Geographic Information Systems Analyst (GIS) Analyst? If you love working with maps, analyzing data, and want to create visual representations of spatial information, then this guide is perfect for you. Here, we will take you through the basics of GIS and give you a roadmap to becoming a successful GIS Analyst. Let’s get started!
Who is a GIS Analyst?
Analysts of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are experts who organize and utilize GIS data to create maps and graphic reports. They gather and arrange information, map it, conduct technical research and analysis, and plan actions.
Roles and Responsibilities
Now that we know who a GIS Analyst is, it’s time to focus on the roles and responsibilities of this job. Most GIS analysts are needed to have formal training in the
field. This can be done at the undergraduate, postgraduate, or certification level courses. Some of the typical roles and responsibilities of a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analyst include:
● Mapping computer code to analyze spatial information.
● Realize patterns and trends in information and build digital maps from geographic information and alternative sources.
● Making “shapefiles” to mix geographic and external information by layering external information over a geographic map.
● Making maps that depict the spatial distribution of varied information like crime statistics and hospital locations, developing mapping applications and tools, and changing physical maps into digital files for pc use square measure all samples of mapping work.
● Creating information visualizations to make reports on geographic information and managing a digital library of geographic maps in numerous file formats.
Prerequisite Requirements
There are certain eligibility requirements for stepping into the field of GIS Analysis. And these requirements include education, skills, and experience. In this section, we will explore all these parameters individually.
EDUCATION
Education is the stepping stone. Becoming a GIS Analyst will only be possible with the right academic background. To step into this field, you will need the following:
● A Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Business, Engineering, Geographic Information System (GIS) or comparable experience.
SKILLS
After completing your education, the next step is acquiring relevant skills that will help you in your professional career and increase your earning potential. Some of the skills you need to succeed as a GIS Analyst include the following:
● Visualization
● IT Skills
● Software Programming
● Survey Mapping
● Data Analysis
● Programming Languages : R, Python
WORK EXPERIENCE
● 0-2 years of experience in any relevant field.
Job Prospect
With the increasing importance of data-driven decision-making, the demand for GIS analysts is growing rapidly across industries such as government, urban planning, environmental management, and more. As a GIS Analyst, you will have some career choices, such as:
● GIS Developer
● Conservationist
● Cartographer
● Remote Sensing Analyst
Salary Aspect
If you are considering a career as a GIS Analyst, you might be wondering about the earning potential for this role. While salaries can vary depending on various factors such as location, industry, and experience, GIS Analysts generally enjoy competitive salaries and benefits. For instance, the average salary of a GIS Analyst in India is ₹2.5 Lakhs per annum. And the average salary of a GIS Analyst in the U.S. is $ 61,880 per annum and £35,158 in the U.K.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Geographic Information Systems Analyst (GIS) Analysts play an important role in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting spatial data used in various industries to make informed decisions. With the growing importance of data-driven decision-making, the demand for GIS Analysts is rising, creating excellent job opportunities for those interested in this field.
To explore more career options and learn guides to help you reach your professional goals, remember to check out Careervira. Stay tuned and follow this page to know more about such trending career options for 2023!