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Job outlook for gis analysts in the United States
Gis analyst job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected gis analyst job growth rate is 9% from 2018-2028.
About 56,000 new jobs for gis analysts are projected over the next decade.
Gis analyst salaries have increased 8% for gis analysts in the last 5 years.
There are over 28,008 gis analysts currently employed in the United States.
There are 49,491 active gis analyst job openings in the US.
The average gis analyst salary is $63,718.
Are gis analyst jobs in demand?
GIS Analyst job and salary trends over time
GIS Analyst jobs over time
GIS Analyst job growth rate over time
Year  | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 28,008 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 85,077 | 0.03% |
| 2019 | 28,857 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 10,730 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 9,773 | 0.00% |
Average gis analyst salary over time
GIS Analyst salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $63,718 | $30.63 | +3.4% |
| 2024 | $61,619 | $29.62 | +2.3% |
| 2023 | $60,224 | $28.95 | +0.5% |
| 2022 | $59,905 | $28.80 | +1.2% |
| 2021 | $59,192 | $28.46 | +1.7% |
GIS Analyst jobs by state
Most common states for gis analysts
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 334 | 48% |
| 2 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,152 | 14% |
| 3 | Alaska | 739,795 | 88 | 12% |
| 4 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 659 | 11% |
| 5 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 546 | 10% |
| 6 | Delaware | 961,939 | 95 | 10% |
| 7 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 651 | 9% |
| 8 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 547 | 8% |
| 9 | Hawaii | 1,427,538 | 118 | 8% |
| 10 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 84 | 8% |
| 11 | Vermont | 623,657 | 49 | 8% |
| 12 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 940 | 7% |
| 13 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 758 | 7% |
| 14 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 279 | 7% |
| 15 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 247 | 7% |
| 16 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 219 | 7% |
| 17 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 192 | 7% |
| 18 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 127 | 7% |
| 19 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 99 | 7% |
| 20 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 69 | 7% |
Most common cities for gis analysts
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ashburn | 2 | 5% | $65,061 |
| 2 | Alexandria | 4 | 3% | $65,041 |
| 3 | College Park | 1 | 3% | $62,159 |
| 4 | Dania Beach | 1 | 3% | $62,188 |
| 5 | Fort Collins | 4 | 2% | $58,637 |
| 6 | Alpharetta | 1 | 2% | $57,587 |
| 7 | Elmhurst | 1 | 2% | $69,669 |
| 8 | Denver | 4 | 1% | $58,421 |
| 9 | Birmingham | 3 | 1% | $59,112 |
| 10 | Chandler | 2 | 1% | $56,302 |
| 11 | Henderson | 2 | 1% | $55,993 |
| 12 | Scottsdale | 2 | 1% | $56,282 |
| 13 | Houston | 5 | 0% | $60,238 |
| 14 | Atlanta | 2 | 0% | $57,529 |
| 15 | San Diego | 2 | 0% | $66,773 |
| 16 | Bakersfield | 1 | 0% | $67,082 |
| 17 | Dallas | 1 | 0% | $59,083 |
GIS Analyst job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of gis analyst experts
Southern Oregon University
Belmont University
Mount St Mary's University
University of North Alabama
Coastal Carolina University
Valparaiso University
University of North Alabama
New Mexico State University
Brigham Young University - Idaho
University of Mary Washington
Central Connecticut State University
University of Indianapolis
Colgate University
University of Puget Sound
DePaul University
Montclair State University
Michigan Technological University
What general advice would you give to a GIS Analyst?
Dr. Jamie Trammell PhD: Diversify your skills, think about all the experiences you gained in your academic career, and look for ways in the professional world to compliment or enhance those academic experiences. Follow your interests and passions, wherever they may take you (it is Geography after all), and always look for ways to refresh your analytical, technical, and conceptual skills.
What GIS Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Jamie Trammell PhD: Geography is a great discipline for those who like many different things, so the best way to maximize your starting salary potential is to focus on the more technical or analytical skills you can employ as a geographer. Whether that is being proficient in demographic modeling using newer approaches, or knowing how to deploy deep learning algorithms in image analysis, keeping your technical skills sharp will increase your salary potential.
What will help GIS Analysts increase their earning potential?
Dr. Jamie Trammell PhD: I expect we will continue to see geospatial sciences and spatial thinking integrated into every element of society, so the ability to move between disciplines and embrace new analytical skills (i.e. AI) will be key.
What general advice would you give to a GIS Analyst?
Dr. Tisha Brown-Gaines: Over the next five years, the expanding landscape of Big Data facilitated via Information Systems will continue to play a major role in the structure of how Smart Systems are created and maintained. As a result, having skills that will allow for effectively accessing, modifying, analyzing, storing and securing data is key. The integration of these skills are strengths that will support fields under the umbrella of computer science and data science that expand into machine learning, natural language processing and the Internet of Things (IoT) concepts.
What GIS Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Tisha Brown-Gaines: Colleges and universities try very hard to prepare students for life after graduation. Most students have the required skill sets for their field of study. However, the journey after attaining a degree still can be tricky. Selecting the right field for you is paramount. Information Systems (IS) is a great major. The interdisciplinary aspect of Information Systems (IS) allows graduates to select from numerous opportunities in the field. However, this can be quite overwhelming when students have options to apply to countless jobs. My advice would be to reflect on several assignments, projects or internship experiences during your undergraduate career that captured your interest, made you smile while completing the assignment or even one which began as a random goal and became personal. Start by identifying tasks that made you inquire more about a topic outside of the minimum requirements or a task that was challenging but helped to improve a skill set. Reflecting on these experiences will allow you to effectively navigate what areas to consider and what jobs to apply to in a sea of endless opportunities. Additionally, having the ability to reflect on past accomplishments can motivate and challenge graduates to achieve additional goals as they continue building their careers.
What general advice would you give to a GIS Analyst?
Sagar Raina D.Sc.: The transition from the academic world to the industry is a significant milestone and may be overwhelming for the beginners. The first and foremost advice I would give is to be “patient”, be “positive” and be “open to learning”. The field of Information Systems consists of the three important components – people, processes, and technology. The graduates beginning their careers should be able to understand and learn about the “people” working in the organization, the “processes” of the organization and the “technology” used by the organization. To accomplish this, work hard, be open to ask questions to the senior colleagues and keep yourself informed about the new trends in Information Systems sector.
What general advice would you give to a GIS Analyst?
Professor Noel Healy: Students should embrace both flexibility and specialization. There will be opportunities to dive into practical experiences such as internships or field research, in areas that might be both within, and outside your perceived expertise.
What GIS Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Professor Noel Healy: Geospatial technologies, like GIS, are rapidly evolving and are highly sought-after skillsets. Also, skills in data analysis, environmental modeling, programming skills in R are already increasingly important as industries and governments prioritize sustainability and data-driven decisions.
What will help GIS Analysts increase their earning potential?
Professor Noel Healy: Focus on developing niche skills that are in high demand, such as GIS expertise, Coding in R, or environmental consulting. Additionally, consider roles in high-paying sectors like technology or government, which often value the diverse skill set that geographers bring.
What general advice would you give to a GIS Analyst?
Dr. Jian Chen: Be open-minded when you start to search for your first job. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of Geography, a degree in Geography prepares students for many different career paths...
What GIS Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Jian Chen: GIS skills, especially web GIS skills will become more important in the next 3-5 years...
What will help GIS Analysts increase their earning potential?
Dr. Jian Chen: A data scientist is still one of the “sexy” jobs in the market. If you have a Geography degree, you can look for any data scientist position which has a geospatial component...
What general advice would you give to a GIS Analyst?
Kathy Kozenski: At this time, thinking spatially is vital to solving problems; an employer is looking for someone who can aggregate disparate pieces of data and information in order to develop creative and unique solutions.
What GIS Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kathy Kozenski: In order to maximize salary potential within the GIS/Geospatial Technologies field(s), an employee (future employee) needs to ensure adequate education and experiences.
What will help GIS Analysts increase their earning potential?
Kathy Kozenski: Students who are Geographically Literate and capable of utilizing GIS (geographic information sciences/systems) and Geospatial Technologies enhance their opportunities for employment, across all disciplines and employment fields.
Dr. Carolyn Dillian Ph.D., RPA
Professor of AnthropologyCoastal Carolina University
Geological And Earth Sciences/Geosciences
What general advice would you give to a GIS Analyst?
Dr. Carolyn Dillian Ph.D., RPA: Two things come to mind: first, try to develop at least a passing competency in multiple skills, including at least some digital proficiencies like 3D modeling or GIS. And second, don’t neglect the soft skills like good research, communication, and writing. These skills will be important in every aspect of your career no matter what your focus may be.
What GIS Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Carolyn Dillian Ph.D., RPA: Be flexible and willing to learn. Your college training will be a great background for the field, but you’ll develop and refine your skills through hands-on experience, so be sure to ask questions, seek advice, and find a mentor to help you get started in the field.
What will help GIS Analysts increase their earning potential?
Dr. Carolyn Dillian Ph.D., RPA: Digital skills are increasingly important in the field, including 3D scanning and modeling, GIS, and the use of drones for recording and assessing structures, among other things. Students and early career professionals should try to take courses that provide an introduction to these technologies, as they are increasingly becoming requirements for employment.
Jon-Paul McCool
Associate Professor of Geography; Environmental Science Program CoordinatorValparaiso University
Natural Resources Conservation And Research
What general advice would you give to a GIS Analyst?
Jon-Paul McCool: In terms of technical skills, the ability to utilize GIS for more than basic mapping. The ability to do more in depth analytical processes and to utilize the mobile components to the software. However, employers are stressing the need for new employees to have drive and individual initiative. Soft skills associated with independence, and the ability to learn on your own are going to be essential.
What GIS Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jon-Paul McCool: Utilize your time as an undergraduate student to set yourself apart. Do some kind of research project that can show your ability to do more than only the assigned work in classes. Utilize your summers to gain additional experience by working relevant jobs and internships. To all extents possible, do not limit yourself spatially. Be willing to travel to far flung locations, at least for a few years, to gain relevant experience after graduating rather than being tied to one specific location or region. You are far more employable with a couple years experience rather than straight out of school.
What will help GIS Analysts increase their earning potential?
Jon-Paul McCool: It is important to remember that the only person who can push your career forward is you. You have to go to places and events to get exposure to opportunities and you have to be willing to potentially move and learn new things. You really have to want to move forward with your career and you have to take a vested interest in it by pursuing additional learning opportunities such as workshops, joining professional organizations and attending meetings, volunteering, etc. A degree alone only distinguishes you from those who didn’t graduate. How are you going to stand out compared to the thousands of others graduating across the country with the same major?
Michael Pretes
Professor and Chair of Geoscience, University of North AlabamaUniversity of North Alabama
Geography And Cartography
What general advice would you give to a GIS Analyst?
Michael Pretes: A good knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is essential for many Geography jobs. Skills in Remote Sensing, LiDAR, Web GIS, database management, and Python programming are also gaining importance. However, good communication skills—oral, written, and visual—are considered most important.
What GIS Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Michael Pretes: Geography and Geographic Information Science (GIS) are two of the most employable degrees out there and they offer the greatest variety of career opportunities. Many Geography and GIS graduates find work in various fields such as airline pilots, law enforcement officers, historical preservation experts, urban and community planners, land developers, business location analysis, marketing, agriculture, natural resource management, and business and law, among others. My advice is to think about what kind of work you like to do and where you want to live. Many jobs in Geography and GIS involve remote work and extensive travel.
What will help GIS Analysts increase their earning potential?
Michael Pretes: Do your homework before applying and interviewing for jobs, so that you are familiar with industry salary ranges and expectations. Then negotiate before accepting a position. If you are just starting out and are nervous about salary negotiations, consult your university's career center for advice and practice interviewing and negotiating scenarios. You should also consider your work-life balance and whether salary or work scheduling and conditions are more important.
Dr. Christopher Brown Ph.D.
ProfessorNew Mexico State University
Department of Geography
What general advice would you give to a GIS Analyst?
Dr. Christopher Brown Ph.D.: 1. This is tough to answer, as geographers work in MANY different types of jobs. In a general sense, geographers use a geographic perspective and tools to answer a range of geographic questions. 2. People working in community development and planning use these tools to ask and answer questions about land use and transportation planning. 3. People working with The Department of Defense use these tools to help support mission critical tasks, manage assets, and make maps. 4. People working in consulting firms use these tools to help answer spatial questions that clients need answered, and to support business operations and decisions.
What GIS Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Christopher Brown Ph.D.: Do your homework ahead of interviewing so you know what the market for the job is like. Sell the heck out of yourself in the interview, noting what a solid investment you will be to the company or agency. If an offer is happening and they offer you a salry, don’t reply right away. Your hesitation may let them know you are looking for more. Ss you accept the offer, ask about upward mobility in the firm or agency.
What will help GIS Analysts increase their earning potential?
Dr. Christopher Brown Ph.D.: Start researching early, really early, as in when are still in college. ID 3 jobs you would really want to have, unpack the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) needed, then make sure you acquires these KSAs in your work at University. Secure and internship or co-op in college, as these often lead to permanent jobs. Doing this let’s prospective employers get to know you and your work ethic, and this makes you a preferred candidate. Learn all you can about the people who are interviewing you, make reference to key things you learn, and get to know them as much as you can in an interview. After the interview, send a thank you email, noting how much you enjoyed meeting them and how excited you are about the potential job.
Michael McLaughlin
FacultyBrigham Young University - Idaho
Department of Computer Information Technology
What skills stand out on GIS Analyst resumes?
Michael McLaughlin: The ability to solve unstructured problems.
Dr. Jackie Gallagher
Associate Professor, ChairUniversity of Mary Washington
Department of Geography
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the GIS Analyst job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Jackie Gallagher: The job market has slowed down in many or most areas, but contractors with funded contracts that need to be completed are still hiring. The University of Mary Washington is located in Fredericksburg VA, 50 miles south of D.C., even closer to a number of government agencies, and their contractors; these are the kinds of places that are still hiring. Jobs in Geographic Information Science (GIS) have remained somewhat strong throughout the pandemic, and I expect them to come back even stronger. I expect the health industries to use GIS more than they have up until now. The maps that are being produced to show the spread of COVID-19, the kinds of people who are most seriously impacted, the kinds of spreading events, locations of resources, and so on - they have all highlighted the importance of geography. I expect organizations to use GIS more in the future. People with geographic or spatial understanding will be needed to help understand, interpret, and create such maps.
The other main trend is environmental, related to climate change and impacts caused by it. We have already seen new flood mapping by FEMA. We will be looking at coastal changes, new risk maps for hurricane damage, and probably new species distributions over time. Geographers interested in environmental and climate impacts will work for government agencies, contractors, non-profits, and local and regional city/county planning organizations. These exist in the greater D.C. region, but also all over Virginia and the country.
Charles Button Ph.D.
Chairperson and ProfessorCentral Connecticut State University
Geography Department
What type of skills will young GIS Analysts need?
Charles Button Ph.D.: Graduating geographers wishing to succeed in today’s workforce need to have the following skills:
- Identify and classify physical and human features of the environment
- Observe, collect, and record geographic information from both primary and secondary sources
- Interpret maps, tables, graphs, photographs, and fieldwork data
- Organize and present information in a coherent manner
What experience really stands out on GIS Analyst resumes?
Charles Button Ph.D.: A geographer’s resume should be sure to highlight skills and accomplishments that will distinguish them from others. Some of the more important things to include on a resume are:
- Internships
- Certificates (e.g., GIS certificate)
- Volunteer activities related to the job field you are applying to
- Honors (e.g., awards received)
David Polly Ph.D.
Professor, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Research Associate, Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago Adjunct Professor, Biology Adjunct Professor, AnthropologyUniversity of Indianapolis
Department of Biology
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on GIS Analysts?
David Polly Ph.D.: It is difficult to say if the pandemic will have an enduring impact on graduates in geosciences. If it does, it is likely to accelerate changes in the job market that were already underway. Thirty years ago most graduates went into petroleum, coal, or other fossil fuel energy careers. The proportion of people going into those jobs has already been declining because of changes in hiring practices by energy companies and society changes in attitudes about fossil fuel. Because the pandemic has put a strong damper on travel, many of those companies have temporarily stopped hiring and have laid off workers. That trend may well continue. Meanwhile jobs in environmental geology, other sorts of mineral exploration, GIS, remediation, and research seem likely to continue to grow.
What type of skills will young GIS Analysts need?
David Polly Ph.D.: Basic knowledge in earth sciences, ability to creatively analyze data, and adaptability. It is rare for a job for a graduate to not require data analysis, sometimes lots of it. Someone who can combine those skills with a firm foundation in earth sciences is likely to be very employable.
What experience really stands out on GIS Analyst resumes?
David Polly Ph.D.: Evidence of a good foundation in earth science and analytical skills stands out. That might be through degrees, coursework, internships, or other job experience. A combination of both will serve job applicants well.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on GIS Analysts?
Jessica K. Graybill: Coronavirus has brought both challenges and benefits to university students. Disruption of the in-person college experience has meant that students have needed to communicate their needs more clearly and readily to professors and deans, to become more responsible as campus – and global – citizens, and to be more flexible about what is possible for personal growth at this unprecedented moment. These are all lessons – personal and professional – that will assist graduates well as they enter workplaces also changed by the virus.
What type of skills will young GIS Analysts need?
Jessica K. Graybill: Creativity and analytical skills are key, alongside the willingness to be familiar with a range of digital applications. For example, it will no longer be enough to just know SPSS or ArcGIS – students need to be familiar with navigating other digital and open-access platforms for data analysis. Entering the workforce in a post-pandemic world, Gen Z will need to be flexible about the times and places in which work occurs (in an office or from home), able to accommodate the health needs of themselves and others, and capable of engaging with – and perhaps even introducing – multiple kinds of digital programs and communications devices as they are rolled out and that will continue to connect us in new ways, and not always in person.
What experience really stands out on GIS Analyst resumes?
Jessica K. Graybill: A student majoring in economics to go into finance is one in a million and doesn’t stand out. It’s the unusual background that distinguishes a good resume from a great resume. For example, adding mad spatial analytical skills or fluency in a lesser spoken language to the economics skills changes the equation and makes a graduate memorable. Interesting resumes emphasize unique personal and professional paths because this indicates a graduate’s mix of in-depth interests and endeavors that include creativity, risk-taking, and flexibility.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on GIS Analysts?
Jeffrey Tepper Ph.D.: "I don’t foresee any long-term COVID impacts on the geology job market. Employment in the environmental consulting fields (e.g., groundwater, slope stability, clean-ups) will only strengthen as:
-Water resource management becomes more critical.
-The Biden administration returns us to more environmentally-aware policies.
-Population growth drives development.
-The reality of climate change necessitates more long-term planning for natural disasters.
I suspect employment in the oil and gas industry will shrink, and coal, of course, is dead. "
What type of skills will young GIS Analysts need?
Jeffrey Tepper Ph.D.: The ability to write is always essential. Competence with data management tools/interpretation is also necessary (EXCEL at a minimum, and preferably additional mathematical/statistical packages, such as MATLAB or R). The same goes for GIS (ArcMap or QGIS).
What experience really stands out on GIS Analyst resumes?
Jeffrey Tepper Ph.D.: A student who has completed an undergraduate thesis has demonstrated a degree of independence / self-motivation / ability to meet a project – all essential traits in ‘the real world.’ Another resume ‘enhancers’ would be internships, working for the geologic firm (summer or part-time during the school year), or being a lab assistant (demonstrating skills with analytical equipment or methods). Anything relevant to the geoscience field that shows initiative, reliability, and creativity. Most geology graduates will have taken a similar slate of courses, so ‘standing out’ requires more than just good grades.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the GIS Analyst job market given the pandemic?
Winifred Curran Ph.D.: The pandemic has led to a tightening in the labor market that allows employers to be far demanding in terms of the skill sets and levels of experience they expect from potential employees. Workers are expected to do more with less and to have a broad array of skills. One thing the pandemic has highlighted is that everything is connected; we need to think holistically about issues, regardless of the economic sector. Luckily, geographers are well placed to do this.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for GIS Analysts in the next 3-5 years?
Winifred Curran Ph.D.: GIS is only becoming more important across a variety of sectors, corporate, governmental, and nonprofit, and understanding how to use the technology to solve real world problems, without replicating the injustices that have often come with technological developments in key.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for GIS Analysts in the next 5 years?
Winifred Curran Ph.D.: I see a bright future for geography graduates. Geographers literally study the world; they understand the connections between people and place, nature, and the built environment. And they acquire both critical thinking and technological skills that allow for a more complex understanding of how we make the world a better place.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the GIS Analyst job market given the pandemic?
Amy Tuininga Ph.D.: Many positions are moving to remote work, resulting in reduced commuting, less dedicated office space per employee, slightly more flexible work schedules, more deliverable-based work, and broad cross-geographic teams working together from different home locations. We see other trends moving to more analytics and tech/electronic sector positions and fewer positions in the service and hospitality industries. This means that graduates may need to rethink their skill set and be ready to apply it to different sectors than they had initially anticipated. For Sustainability, this means more focus on data analysis and reporting in areas such as climate change, emissions, energy efficiency, renewable energy, waste, supply chain, and food security.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for GIS Analysts in the next 3-5 years?
Amy Tuininga Ph.D.: Efforts are moving most expeditiously toward developing renewable energy and energy storage, more efficient and more environmentally friendly types of renewable energy, human-interface technologies related to this, such as smart thermostats and smart meters, and developing access for all communities – energy justice and a Just Transition. The second is mapping using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) – smart technology integrated with global positioning and drones.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for GIS Analysts in the next 5 years?
Amy Tuininga Ph.D.: The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted that jobs related to renewable energy - particularly solar energy and, to a slightly lesser extent, off-shore wind energy - would show the most significant increases in employment over the next decade. Some of these data, though, are based on the 2010 census. It will be interesting to see the new set of data coming out from the 2020 census. Regardless, the solar industry is increasing.
What experience really stands out on GIS Analyst resumes?
Nathan Manser Ph.D.: Students working towards full-time employment in the mining industry need to pursue summer internships and co-ops to show that they can 1) be trained and 2) work within a technical team. Students who have a perspective on the mining industry's multidisciplinary nature will be more effective as entry-level employees.
What GIS Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Nathan Manser Ph.D.: In geosciences, and particular mining engineering, students on a gap year should explore graduate certificate opportunities that expand their skill sets in lifecycle assessment, geographical information systems, geospatial engineering, field sampling techniques, or other marketable skills that complement their interests in the industry. Even the traditional MBA would be a good compliment for students looking to be involved with the management side of mining instead of operations.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for GIS Analysts in the next 3-5 years?
Nathan Manser Ph.D.: Engineers must be up-to-date on the latest digital technologies and be involved with how these techs will revolutionize the mining industry. As society demands more socially responsible actions from mining companies, the advancing digital revolution will provide the tools needed to manage a zero-impact mining operation. Students that get on board with that now will have a significant advantage.
What type of skills will young GIS Analysts need?
Candice Luebbering Ph.D.: Graduates entering the workforce need to have a strong understanding of the fundamentals of their field. These will consistently inform and guide their work while the specific technology and platforms they use may change from job-to-job, or task-to-task. Having a solid foundation in core concepts, combined with the adaptability to learn and become familiar with new tools and software, will greatly help graduates in the job market.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for GIS Analysts to find work opportunities?
Candice Luebbering Ph.D.: Surveying and mapping technicians are needed throughout the country as government and businesses incorporate and implement more geospatial data and technology in their regular operations.
How do you envision technology impacting GIS Analysts in the next 5 years?
Candice Luebbering Ph.D.: Geospatial technologies continue to evolve. Those working in the field will need to stay up to date with the latest trends, tools, and software available so they are prepared for new job opportunities, to collaborate with colleagues in the field, and to communicate the technological options and possibilities with employers, customers, or clients.