What does a GIS Developer do?
A GIS developer, also known as a geographic information system developer, specializes in designing and creating applications and software that gathers and features geographic data from different locations. In some industries, a GIS developer may also have the task of analyzing aerial imagery, developing databases and maps, and creating tools to facilitate various programs and projects. Additionally, a GIS developer usually works as a member of a software development team, which requires an open communication line for an efficient workflow.
Gis developer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real gis developer resumes:
- Deploy and manage ArcSDE database and ArcIMS website serving over 300 data layers for use by internal project managers.
- Utilize ESRI's ArcGIS v.10.2.1 with Schneider's ArcFM to manage, maintain, and manipulate an energy distribution database.
- Analyze and manage the project throughout SDLC, written/review specification documents.
- Solo developer for web mapping applications base on ESRI's FlexBuilder, ESRI JavaScript API.
- Develop SSIS packages for EDI, SalesForce, and CRM.
- Implement as a normal windows service base application.
- Develop a flight route viewer using ArcGIS JavaScript API.
- Develop a GIS application to assist staff review statewide images before uploading into ArcSDE.
- Prepare a step-by-step procedure to include HTML help document with GIS applications with samples and update previous applications.
- Involve in web development languages and protocols such as JavaScript, HTML, AJAX, XML, SQL.
- Involve in data cleansing procedures and data transformation and mapping from source to target database schemas using SSIS ETL tool.
- Enhance and debug a web-base automated testing system written in Perl using a relational database.
- Document and share user test results with development team members for further evaluation; perform debugging as necessary.
- Participate in hiring processes, process improvement, deliverable estimation, architecture, planning, development and client staff technical training/mentoring.
- Train other members in SQL and how to create reports using SSRS.
Gis developer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 7% of GIS Developers are proficient in Esri, C++, and Arcgis Server. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Creativity.
We break down the percentage of GIS Developers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Esri, 7%
Involved in the development of Drawing Different Symbols and loading the images on to the Maps using ESRI ArcGIS JavaScript API.
- C++, 7%
Converted a series of government tools from ArcView Avenue code to C++ code used in ArcMap.
- Arcgis Server, 5%
Design and developed a web GIS application which used both ArcGIS Server and Map Server as GIS Servers.
- CSS, 5%
Developed and improved on organizational websites using HTML, CSS, JavaScript and other web development software.
- Javascript API, 5%
Developed various customized web applications with ArcGIS JavaScript API and ArcGIS Online.
- Html Css, 4%
Created several modules and forms using HTML CSS are performed styling for pages.
Most gis developers use their skills in "esri," "c++," and "arcgis server" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential gis developer responsibilities here:
Analytical skills. One of the key soft skills for a gis developer to have is analytical skills. You can see how this relates to what gis developers do because "developers must analyze users’ needs and then design software to meet those needs." Additionally, a gis developer resume shows how gis developers use analytical skills: "provided a range of gis analysis, data base management, mapping and gps data collection services. "
Communication skills. Another essential skill to perform gis developer duties is communication skills. Gis developers responsibilities require that "developers must be able to give clear instructions to others working on a project." Gis developers also use communication skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "created new business processes and communication setups for new partners. "
Creativity. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of gis developers is creativity. This skill is critical to many everyday gis developer duties, as "developers are the creative minds behind new computer software." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "web server configuration with apache and php * study and analyze the gis data layers, make inventory and data dictionary. "
Detail oriented. gis developer responsibilities often require "detail oriented." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "developers often work on many parts of an application or system at the same time and must therefore be able to concentrate and pay attention to detail." This resume example shows what gis developers do with detail oriented on a typical day: "created a detailed document on the steps followed to successfully carry out the installation on windows 2003 server. "
Interpersonal skills. Another common skill required for gis developer responsibilities is "interpersonal skills." This skill comes up in the duties of gis developers all the time, as "software developers must be able to work well with others who contribute to designing, developing, and programming successful software." An excerpt from a real gis developer resume shows how this skill is central to what a gis developer does: "mentor and coach entrepreneurs in areas of interpersonal skills, personal finance, business development & leadership. "
Problem-solving skills. Another skill commonly found on gis developer job descriptions is "problem-solving skills." It can come up quite often in gis developer duties, since "because developers are in charge of software from beginning to end, they must be able to solve problems that arise throughout the design process." Here's an example from a resume of how this skill fits into day-to-day gis developer responsibilities: "provided gis solutions and arcgis online support to clients, mainly state and local governments. "
The three companies that hire the most gis developers are:
- MThe Medicus Firm
30 gis developers jobs
- MMicrodesk
20 gis developers jobs
- TTWO95 International4 gis developers jobs
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Compare different gis developers
Gis developer vs. Mobile applications developer
A mobile application developer is responsible for designing programming applications for mobile devices according to clients' specifications and business demands. Mobile application developers must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, as well as computer system commands to develop efficient scripts and smooth navigation of operating systems. They analyze the clients' needs and recommend application solutions within their budget limitations and timeframe. A mobile application developer identifies inconsistencies and glitches with the output before submission to ensure its stability and optimal performance.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between gis developers and mobile applications developer. For instance, gis developer responsibilities require skills such as "esri," "arcgis server," "javascript api," and "arcgis desktop." Whereas a mobile applications developer is skilled in "c #," "mobile development," "react native," and "objective c." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Mobile applications developers earn the highest salaries when working in the pharmaceutical industry, with an average yearly salary of $107,574. On the other hand, gis developers are paid more in the energy industry with an average salary of $117,339.mobile applications developers tend to reach lower levels of education than gis developers. In fact, mobile applications developers are 6.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.3% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Gis developer vs. Software developer internship
A software developer intern is responsible for assisting the software engineers with the design implementation and shadowing their duties to understand the processes more efficiently. Software developer interns use their classroom knowledge on practical applications, suggesting recommendations on how to make the project successful. They also respond to clients' inquiries and concerns, attend meetings, and help with maintaining complex systems and networks. A software developer intern must have excellent communication skills, as well as having strong attention to detail and the ability to learn fast.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that gis developer responsibilities requires skills like "esri," "arcgis server," "javascript api," and "arcgis desktop." But a software developer internship might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "python," "software development," "javascript," and "aws."
On average, software developer interns earn a lower salary than gis developers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, software developer interns earn the most pay in the finance industry with an average salary of $41,281. Whereas gis developers have higher pay in the energy industry, with an average salary of $117,339.software developer interns earn lower levels of education than gis developers in general. They're 8.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for GIS Developers in the next 3-5 years?
Winifred Curran Ph.D.
Professor and Chair, DePaul University
Gis developer vs. Developer/consultant
A developer/consultant is responsible for developing system databases and applications, depending on the business' needs and clients' specifications. Developers/consultants design their services to manage optimal performance and maximize productivity for timely submission of projects, ensuring client satisfaction and loyalty. They also handle clients' inquiries and concerns, informing them about necessary adjustments to improve strategic procedures and processes. A developer/consultant must have excellent communication and analytical skills, as well as extensive experience with the technology industry.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from gis developer resumes include skills like "esri," "arcgis server," "javascript api," and "arcgis desktop," whereas a developer/consultant is more likely to list skills in "project management," "javascript," "hr," and "microservices. "
Developer/consultants earn the best pay in the technology industry, where they command an average salary of $101,340. Gis developers earn the highest pay from the energy industry, with an average salary of $117,339.Most developer/consultants achieve a lower degree level compared to gis developers. For example, they're 8.6% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 2.8% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Gis developer vs. Architect and developer
An Architect And Developer is focused on the technical design, architecture, and development of products. They generally work as a part of the development team.
Types of gis developer
Updated January 8, 2025
