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What does a GIS analyst do?

A GIS analyst manages all activities related to the design, development, implementation, and support of GIS projects. As a GIS analyst, you will also develop GIS task budgets and scope of work documents for inclusion in project proposals, manage GIS task progress and budgets, assist with project planning and coordination, and project scope of work development and project budgeting.

Furthermore, GIS analysts collect and process data for use in GIS applications, analyze data, and prepare technical and progress reports.

What qualifications and competencies do I need to become a GIS analyst?

GIS analysts are skilled in a variety of technologies. Strong problem-solving abilities, the capacity to multitask, and the capacity to think quickly are only some of the basic requirements for the position of GIS analyst:

• Knowledge of data collection, storage, and analysis methods, as well as the knowledge of cartography standards, drafting principles, and computer design and graphics software
• Good oral and verbal communication skills, including good listening skills, to communicate with technical and non-technical internal clients
• Good project management skills including communications coordination
• Knowledge of of advanced GIS principles, geoprocessing tools, and spatial database management techniques
• Hands-on experience with GIS programming and scripting languages including Python, SQL, JSON, HTML, CSS, or related programming languages
• Microsoft SQL Server, Structured Query Language (SQL) and its applications with GIS analysis and data/system integration
• The development, configuration, and optimization of web mapping services (preferably two years of experience with ArcGIS Server)
• Experience with spatial modeling, remote sensing, landscape mapping, and data analysis
• Ability to manage spatial data (e.g., relationship classes, topology) within geodatabases
• Superior attention to detail, accuracy, personal initiative, and considerable use of independent judgment

What are the core GIS analyst job responsibilities?

Using mapping software to evaluate geospatial data and create digital maps is one of the main responsibilities. This data is used by the analysts to decide how to use the land. GIS analysts also manage digital databases that contain geospatial information and predict likely geographic changes.

Depending on the project, GIS analysts may be required to serve as technical leads for the spatial enablement of the business unit’s GIS projects. Below is a detailed overview of what GIS analysts do on a daily basis:

• Configure GIS applications using standard software configuration tools
• Interpret and perform complex spatial analysis on GIS data layers to produce maps and reports
• Assist with spatial reports for geodatabase integrity, performance, and the property valuation process
• Design and administer multiple GIS spatial databases (enterprise geodatabases) using ESRI/SDE, SQL Server, ArcGIS Server/Portal, and other online data management tools
• Maintain the documentation of the GIS databases (including metadata), procedures, and business data integration requirements
• Develop and update data models, scripts, interfaces, and programs in support of importing/exporting and manipulating GIS data between various software systems and/or business applications
• Administer the GIS software licensing to ensure proper and efficient deployment, accessibility, and license utilization
• Monitor system performance and logs to troubleshoot and proactively adjust configuration settings to maximize GIS system performance, availability, and security
• Respond to technical questions from GIS users needing assistance and resolve problems

Should I get a GIS analyst degree or certification?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that GIS analyst career paths will see greater than average growth by 2029. So, the competition for openings becomes high. In such a competitive job market, many people are looking to boost their credentials and enhance their skill sets.

GIS professionals can benefit from several types of education or certifications to help position themselves more prominently on Upwork. Consider the options below to prove your expertise to employers on Upwork:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in geographic information system (GIS), geography, environmental science, cartography, information science, urban planning, Earth science, computer science, or related field required
• The GISCI Geospatial Core Technical Knowledge Exam developed by GIS Certification Institute and Professional GIS Certificate by Michigan State University