How to be a GIS Engineer

Job Description for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Engineer

A geographic information systems (GIS) engineer is an engineer in the field of geospatial information scientists and technologists. Spatial analysis is a major component of their daily work. A GIS engineer will also need to be well-versed in design, data analysis, developing, and implementing. He or she also needs to be able to maintain geographic information systems within given product lines. A GIS engineer may be required to have a firm background in traffic safety engineering and to possess a master's degree in transportation engineering.

Along with the technical side of the job, a GIS engineer must be able to communicate effectively with others. Whether on a one-on-one basis or within groups, they will be required to work with developers in the creation of software, which is needed to effectively manage and display information to users. GIS engineers must also work with developers on these systems to be able to manipulate geographical data and to put this data together in presentation-level graphics and maps. Furthermore, their communications abilities must extend to working with end-users who have questions ranging from software to data, which means they must be capable of explaining things in clear, concise and understandable ways. This ability must extend to the written and oral realms of communication. GIS engineers may work in a variety of fields, such as architecture, urban planning, or agricultur.