GIS specialist use GIS to visualize, analyze, and model systems to help in the planning and decision-making processes of their organizations. They make geographic information accessible to scientists, planners, decision makers, and the public.
GIS careers typically include positions such as
They also encompass business development, managerial, and administrative roles.
GIS is often associated with making maps, but GIS professionals do much more than that. GIS is used to manage human activities . The ESRI Map Book Gallery illustrates through real-world examples the range of topics, activities, and locales to which GIS can be applied.
At the level of basic science, GIS specialist are improving understanding of how the planet works at all scales. At the application level, GIS specialist are analyzing complex situations, visualizing problems, and creating geographic plans and solutions. They are also increasing efficiency, reducing costs, and helping people make faster and better decisions that consider all the geographic factors necessary to create a sustainable future. And GIS specialist are improving the processes of communication and collaboration, helping to better coordinate work across organizations. As a result, GIS specialist have an opportunity to make a real difference in the world.