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Are you searching for a geospatial analyst job description? Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a geospatial analyst. Feel free to use our geospatial analyst job description template to produce your own geospatial analyst job description. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a geospatial analyst.

 

Who is a Geospatial Analyst?

Geospatial Analysts are professionals who specialize in analyzing and interpreting data with a geographic component. Geospatial analysis refers to formal methods for studying spatial data about geological features and their analysis. In environmental research, geospatial analysis refers to the use of geographic data to find information about the environment that is linked to geography and that may also be referenced to time. Four examples include identifying environmental risks, tracking the movement of pollution over time, analyzing changes in environmental variables like temperature and ocean acidity over time, and connecting different environmental variables with specific regions like droughts.

Spatial data is used to solve issues relating to the location, dimensions, and other studies of nearly every visible object on Earth. Spatial data can refer to an object’s topological, geological, or geometric properties. The science was initially employed to research geology, ecology, and epidemiology, but it today has a wide range of uses in intelligence, mining, defence, and medical science. Geospatial analysis is more specifically the alteration of data based on location. Geographic information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS), georeferencing, metadata (or “data about data”), and remote sensing are some of the tools used in this type of analysis. For instance, it can be used to investigate the distribution of an air pollution incident, such as the unintentional release of radioactive material or another harmful substance into the atmosphere, and to identify any contaminated wells in a region while looking into the contamination of groundwater.

A geospatial analyst is someone who supports the investigation and analysis of the data obtained through various geographic systems. When it comes to latitudes, longitudes, projections, and positions, the data is collected by these systems in real-time. This information is then added to databases for use by the users, who may be the nation’s defence system, a business, or another government agency. A geospatial analyst uses spatial analysis and mapping techniques to solve practical issues. Geospatial analysts produce two- and three-dimensional maps that provide information using software and data from various sources. Geographical data, often known as GIS data, is what geospatial analysts deal with. By transforming a set of geographic coordinates into points on a map, they gather GIS data. These points are used by geospatial analysts to build layers of data that they may then overlay on a map. As a result, maps with spatial representations of information are created by geospatial analysts.

Data are used by geospatial analysts to create maps that represent actual phenomena. Maps of social development, economics, public health, or demographics may be included. Software for mapping is frequently used by geospatial analysts to collect, process, and show data. Geospatial analysts might collaborate in groups or work independently to provide reports for clients. For instance, a government organization might use geospatial analysts to produce maps that show demographics. The locations of new schools, the placement of social services, and the types of areas that require community development can all be determined using these maps. Additionally, building brand-new databases or digital maps may fall under the purview of geospatial analysts. This may entail compiling and arranging already-existing data into a single database or it may entail actively gathering new data through field research or remote sensing methods. You must be able to handle a fast-paced, demanding atmosphere if you want to be a successful geospatial analyst. Outstanding research, teamwork, communication, and interpersonal skills are essential for a top-notch geospatial analyst.

 

Geospatial Analyst Job Description

What is a geospatial analyst job description? A geospatial analyst job description is simply a list of duties and responsibilities of a geospatial analyst in an organization. Below are the geospatial analyst job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a geospatial analyst job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.

The duties and responsibilities of a geospatial analyst include the following:

• Obtain, analyze, maintain, and store geospatial data to the needs of the client in a way that makes it simple for the average person to understand in the form of reports and graphics.
• Assign appropriate approaches and methods for examining the item under observation, including selecting the right hardware for capturing and examining the details as well as the right software tools for analyzing this real-time data in both machine and human-readable forms.
• Extract the pertinent information from the overall geographic data collected from multiple sources, analyze it, visualize it, and use analysis techniques to improve it and address intelligence-related issues.
• Divide the obtained data into different data sets to meet the needs of diverse types of clients.
• Keep an eye on changes to the terrain as well as damage caused by natural disasters to understand Earth’s general environmental condition.
• Give the data in a format that will work for various meetings and presentations.
• Identify a specific location or person graphically to easily trace it by compiling and studying data gathered from various sources. Analyze textual sources and present them in the form of graphics.
• Create and research for external or internal use of the different geospatial products.
• Depict the harm inflicted by hurricanes, tornadoes, and other natural disasters immediately to grasp the severity of the situation, and the extent of the harm, and to make arrangements for immediate assistance.
• Engage in geocoding, the process of adding geographic data to a file or database so that it can be used by geographic information systems.
• Keep track of beach erosion, erupting volcanoes, decaying icebergs, and other issues affecting the planet’s ecology by working with conservationists.
• Make use of geocoding for geographic information systems.

 

Qualifications

• A geospatial analyst needs to have a bachelor’s degree in geography, computer science engineering, or a related field of study like cartography.
• Possession of a thorough knowledge of the software programs available for transforming text and graphic data into digital images.
• Working knowledge of drafting or cartography.
• Military geospatial analysts must complete 22 weeks of advanced individual training after completing 10 weeks of basic combat training.
• Should be familiar with fundamental cartography methods, computer literate, and have a working grasp of modern GIS equipment, among other things.
• Outstanding presentation skills are very necessary since the candidate will need to meet with clients multiple times to understand the project and data requirements.
• Strong computer, design, and math skills.
• Excellent communication skills are needed, both in writing and verbally.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities are required to apply the acquired data in the appropriate context in a very varied range of environments.

 

Essential Skills

• Technical skills: Technical skills are the ability to use tools, software, and programs to carry out a task. To be effective at their jobs, geospatial analysts need a wide range of technical abilities. Using software for data analysis, modelling, and visualization, as well as GIS, remote sensing, and mapping programs is one of these talents.
• Communication skills: Geospatial analysts frequently collaborate with experts from other disciplines, including engineering, law enforcement, and marketing. Collaboration with these experts and ensuring that everyone understands one another depend on effective communication.
• Analytical skills: Geospatial analysts evaluate data and look for trends using analytical capabilities. They construct goals-achieving tactics and future forecasts using these patterns. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and attention to detail are all examples of analytical abilities.
• Problem-solving skills: Geospatial analysts use their problem-solving abilities to come up with solutions to technical problems, provide solutions to data security issues, and come up with ways to increase the effectiveness of their work. When difficulties develop while putting their suggestions into practice, they also employ their problem-solving abilities to come up with solutions.
• Research skills: To learn more about locations, terrain, and other geographic elements, geospatial analysts conduct research. To learn more about the past structures, roads, and other sites, they also employ research techniques. They can use this knowledge to decide which data mapping and analysis techniques are most effective.

 

How to Become a Geospatial Analyst

1. Acquire degrees

Although there are numerous ways to become a geospatial analyst, most professionals begin by getting a bachelor’s degree in geography, cartography, or a closely related subject. These bachelor’s degrees may offer a foundation in geographic theory and practices, with a particular emphasis on how technology is used in the field. Many geospatial analysts pursue graduate degrees in geography, computer science, or geographic information systems in addition to their bachelor’s degrees. The theoretical, methodological, and technical facets of the profession are furthered by a doctorate in one of these fields. Candidates with a geospatial science master’s degree are frequently preferred by businesses. Geographic information systems, remote sensing, geographic analysis, and cartography are among the subjects included in this two-year degree program.

2. Develop expertise in software

Geospatial analysts frequently have a thorough understanding of a range of software applications. Many different pieces of software are frequently used by geospatial analysts to gather, store, align, and analyze geographic data. They might make use of ArcGIS, a piece of software used for gathering, storing and analyzing geographic data. They might also make use of ArcView, a tool for gathering and storing geographic data. You can enrol in classes about certain software categories or general courses about geospatial software to gain this skill.

3. Develop expertise in hardware

A profound understanding of hardware and technological systems is a common trait among geospatial analysts. For the collection, storing, analysis, and presentation of geographic data, geospatial analysts frequently use hardware systems. They might make use of GPS, a tool used to gather geographic information. To obtain spectral data, they may also employ field spectroscopy instruments.

4. Boost your remote sensing skills

Data from remote sensing is frequently interpreted by geospatial analysts. They might use remote sensing satellite or aircraft platforms to gather remote sensing data, such as satellite images or aerial photography. These data are used by remote sensing experts to spot patterns and changes on the Earth’s surface. You can study specialized books in classes, and work on assignments that concentrate on analyzing remote sensing data to comprehend remote sensing data.

5. Improve knowledge of photogrammetry

Aerial images are frequently examined by geospatial analysts using photogrammetric software. Aerial photography elements can be identified, measured, and built into three-dimensional models using photogrammetric software. You can study specialized books in classes, and work on tasks that emphasize using photogrammetric software to increase your knowledge of photogrammetry.

6. Incorporate GIS (geographic information systems)

A system called a Geographic Information System, or GIS, is created to store, display, manage, and analyze geographic data. You can use a variety of tools and approaches using a GIS to analyze the connections between various levels of geographical data. Geospatial analysts can use the capabilities of GIS technology. You can take GIS-related classes, read specialized books, and do GIS-related assignments to hone your GIS technology skills.

7. Obtain certification

To prove their knowledge and abilities, many geospatial analysts pursue certification. The Associate Geographic Information Scientist, Certified Geographic Information Systems Professional, and Certified Cartographer are the three most popular qualifications for geospatial analysts (AGIS). By passing a certification exam or accumulating a certain amount of work experience, you can pursue certification. For instance, you need to have at least five years of professional experience to become a GISP.

8. Become a member of a professional association

Geospatial analysts can join several different professional associations. By becoming a member of a professional organization, you can network with other professionals and get knowledge on emerging technology in your industry. The Association for Geographic Information is among the most widespread professional associations for geospatial analysts (AGI). The International Cartographic Association, the Geospatial Information Society, and the International Society of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing are further associations that geospatial analysts may join.

9. Apply for jobs

Geospatial analysts have many employment options available to them. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, between 2019 and 2029, there could be a 4% increase in the number of geospatial analysts employed. Employers might require more geospatial analysts to gather, evaluate, and disseminate data as the demand for geospatial data rises. Geospatial analysts may work for private companies as well as public agencies at the municipal, state, and federal levels of government.

 

Where to Work as a Geospatial Analyst

Workplaces for geospatial analysts include offices, labs, and outdoor locales. Military, retail, real estate, environmental, urban planning, and government sectors all use geospatial analysts. To develop and analyze maps and other types of geographic data, geospatial analysts may spend a lot of time using computer hardware and software. They might also spend some time outside gathering data with technologies like GPS and other instruments. They might occasionally work in dangerous locations, including those near catastrophe zones. Although geospatial analysts normally work regular hours, they occasionally have to put in extra time to meet deadlines or handle emergencies.

 

Geospatial Analyst Salary Scale

The estimated annual salary for a geospatial analyst in Nigeria is NGN 450,000, with an average salary of NGN 90,000. This information comes from the Glassdoor salary review. In the US, the income of a geospatial analyst ranges from $46,634 to $90,255, with an average of $64,577. Salary ranges can vary significantly depending on a variety of crucial aspects, including schooling, credentials, supplementary talents, and the length of time you’ve been working in a given field. Cash bonuses, commissions, tips, and profit sharing are all included in the projected additional compensation of NGN 360,000 per year.

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