Summary Report for:
15-1099.07 - Geographic Information Systems Technicians
Assist scientists, technologists, and related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, and using geographic information systems (GIS) databases. May also perform some custom application development and provide user support.
This title represents an occupation for which data collection is currently underway.
Tasks | Interests | Work Values | Wages & Employment | Additional Information
Tasks
- Design or coordinate the development of integrated Geographic Information Systems (GIS) spatial or non-spatial databases.
- Design or prepare graphic representations of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data using GIS hardware or software applications.
- Enter data into Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases using techniques such as coordinate geometry, keyboard entry of tabular data, manual digitizing of maps, scanning or automatic conversion to vectors, and conversion of other sources of digital data.
- Maintain or modify existing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases.
- Perform geospatial data building, modeling, or analysis using advanced spatial analysis, data manipulation, or cartography software.
- Analyze Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data to identify spatial relationships or display results of analyses using maps, graphs, or tabular data.
- Interpret aerial or ortho photographs.
- Review existing or incoming data for currency, accuracy, usefulness, quality, or completeness of documentation.
- Transfer or rescale information from original photographs onto maps or other photographs.
- Select cartographic elements needed for effective presentation of information.
Interests
Interest code: IRC
| Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally. |
| Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others. |
| Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow. |
Work Values
| Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement. |
| Independence — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employs to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy. |
| Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions. |
Wages & Employment Trends
National
Median wages data collected from Computer Specialists, All Other.
Employment data collected from Computer Specialists, All Other.
Industry data collected from Computer Specialists, All Other.
| Median wages (2008) | $36.13 hourly, $75,150 annual |
| Employment (2008) | 209,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2008-2018) | 
Average (7% to 13%)
|
| Projected job openings (2008-2018) | 72,600 |
| Top industries (2008) |
State & National
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2008 wage data
and 2008-2018 employment projections
.
"Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2008-2018). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.
Sources of Additional Information
Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.
- Computer network, systems, and database administrators
. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition.