RESEARCH ARTICLE
An analysis of qualifications and requirements for geographic information systems (GIS) positions in the United States
Christopher A. Ramezan,
Aaron E. Maxwell,
Joshua T. Meadows,
Corresponding Author
Christopher A. Ramezan
Department of Management Information Systems, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
Correspondence
Christopher A. Ramezan, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.
Email: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorAaron E. Maxwell
Department of Geology and Geography, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
Search for more papers by this authorJoshua T. Meadows
Department of Management Information Systems, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
Search for more papers by this authorChristopher A. Ramezan,
Aaron E. Maxwell,
Joshua T. Meadows,
Corresponding Author
Christopher A. Ramezan
Department of Management Information Systems, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
Correspondence
Christopher A. Ramezan, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.
Email: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorAaron E. Maxwell
Department of Geology and Geography, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
Search for more papers by this authorJoshua T. Meadows
Department of Management Information Systems, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
Search for more papers by this authorFirst published: 09 May 2024
Abstract
As the demand for geospatial analytics continues to grow, geographic information systems (GIS) professionals are needed to build, operate, and maintain GIS technologies, data, and software to provide geospatial insights for modern industries and organizations. To best train the next generation of GIS professionals, an understanding of qualifications and requirements of GIS positions is needed. Thus, this work analyzes 508 GIS positions, grouped by position type (analysts, developers, educators, managers, specialists, technicians) to provide insights on key pre-requisite requirements, such as education, experience, certifications, soft communication skills, programming skills, and knowledge of GIS or IT. In general, possession of a bachelor's degree in GIS, geography, or computer science, prior professional experience, and knowledge of GIS and IT software were common pre-requisites for most GIS roles. Soft communication skills were also frequently desired for GIS roles. We also found that some position requirements tended to vary by position type, such as manager and developer roles requiring on average 5 years or higher prior experience, while analyst, specialist, and technician roles had much lower experience and education requirements. Higher education institutions and GIS training programs should note the desired requirements for GIS position types and continue to refine programs and develop pathways for success for aspiring GIS professionals.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Open Research
DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT
The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
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