There was a time not too long ago when a family vacation meant one parent driving and the other navigating using these big foldout paper documents called “maps.” Where one wrong turn meant not 10 more miles to the World’s Biggest Ball of Twine but 50 miles to the next turnaround and 100 miles to the next rest stop. Today, though, Google Maps, Waze, and other similar apps rely on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to get us from point A to point B quickly—even if we miss a turn!

 

And behind this GIS technology is a GIS technician whose focus is on maintaining the database and ensuring the information quality is top notch.

 

What they do

GIS Techs collect data from maps, GPS devices, aerial photographs, satellite imagery, and other sources and ensure it is accurate, up to date, and formatted in a way that is readily useable by consumers. They are stewards of critical data and their daily work includes:

• Transforming analog materials like paper maps or photographs into digital formats
• Uploading and updating geographic/GPS data
• Analyzing data for errors or inconsistencies and fixing the issues
• Documenting where data came from and determining its accuracy
• Keeping geographic information secure and organized

 

How they can help

There are almost no bounds to the areas in which GIS techs’ work makes an impact. Ensuring geographic information is current and correct is critical to local governments (think firefighters needing a quick path to an emergency), environmental organizations (tracking wildlife, monitoring changes in the landscape), and even utility and transportation firms. So, for all the time GIS techs spend staring at their computers, the impact of their work stretches far and wide outside the confines of their office.

 

What tools they use

Where old school and new school tools meet, you’ll find a GIS tech! Many have serious cartography skills (map design, symbols, and smart ways to clearly present geographic data) but they must also have a number of high-tech tools in their toolbelt:

• GIS and mapping: Arc GIS and QGIS
• Database management: SQL, MS Access, and PostgreSQL
• Programming: Python and JavaScript
• Remote sensing: Satellite imagery and aerial photography
• Field data: GPS and data collection tools

 

Where you can start

Just like on most great maps, there is more than one path to becoming a GIS tech. Some start with computer science and find their way to cartography. Others start as lovers of maps but become fascinated with city planning or environmental biology. A bachelor’s degree is usually required but the field of study is wide open. Likewise, hands-on experience matters; if GIS is your dream, find an internship or volunteer on research projects. If you’re detail-oriented, comfortable with technology, and also fascinated by maps, find your way toward GIS. X might just mark the spot!