Things to know about Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as a Career

Introduction

What is it that makes Geographical Information Systems (GIS) tool different from other tools? Why do most people want to know what the future of GIS jobs looks like? Why are there so many organizations looking for GIS divisions to join them? If you are reading this, then you probably already know the answer. However, I will highlight it for those that may not be sure of the answers to these questions yet. First, GIS has made it simpler to understand the environment and make decisions regarding the environment. Within GIS, one can analyze the geographic spread of data to gain better insight into distribution patterns. The broad range of GIS applications includes urban planning, forestry, climate science, military use, emergency management, public health, mining, etc. Industries have started using tools to make work faster and easier with the accurate result, hence applying geospatial tools. 

Is GIS a good career?

GIS includes implementing and translating complicated data sets into understandable and valuable knowledge for industries to ingest. GIS is an exciting and professional choice for people. If you are curious about exploring the world and knowing more about the environment, it is best to have a GIS career. You will be successful and will remain successful if you have a growth mindset and continue to learn and grow every day. Today, most people use maps to enable them to find a way to his/her destination while travelling to unfamiliar places using maps.

Different types of jobs

GIS is being used in various industries and organizations, and the skills needed to be a successful professional have evolved over the years. The power of GIS tools is why we see various industries rely more on their GIS teams for decision-making than ever before. Jack Dangermond, Founder and CEO, Esri, USA, sums the importance and opportunities of GIS. He said, “GIS is being applied virtually in every field of human endeavour. The very same geospatial users who have been implementing GIS for decades will play a significant role in this evolution and transformation.” There are different types of jobs for a career in GIS, this includes GIS developer, GIS analyst, GIS technician, GIS project manager, Geomaticians, GIS specialist, Surveyors, etc. 

The growing field of GIS

Honestly, GIS can be a safe career path if you realize you need to develop various key additions to augment your popularity in the employment quest. GIS has become an all-round job choice for detailed-oriented individuals and loves interacting with the knowledge to achieve insightful outcomes. With the expected development, anyone who joins the sector may get a good career. The map indicates GIS development between 2013 and 2020. The diagram shows the growth of GIS from 2013 to 2020. 

Competitive Salaries

Next, GIS has competitive salaries. GIS is a strong career, and it will be in demand for a long time. But like all careers, GIS is changing fast with new techniques every day. The diagram below shows the range of salary from entry-level (less experience) to senior level (more experience). As a GIS specialist, your salary depends on your work experience and varies according to the job location and title.

During this Covid-19 period, when most industries are work remotely, the good news is, Covid-19 does not have much impact on the opportunities for working with GIS industries because GIS can be done anywhere, whether the office or the house. All you have to do is to install the GIS software or access the free tool online.