Geospatial technician
Geospatial technicians collect data to create maps, update satellite navigation systems and plan construction and conservation projects.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a geospatial information systems (GIS) technician, you could:
- use specialist equipment to gather data, like advanced GPS, laser scanners and drones
- digitise and code visual information such as aerial photos, geological surveys and satellite imagery
- monitor changes to environments and the impacts of major events, such as flooding or wildfires
- maintain and analyse geographic data held in GIS databases
- provide organisations with technical reports, maps and 2D and 3D graphics to help with policy planning and decision making
Working environment
You could work in an office or visit sites.
Career path and progression
With experience, you might specialise in areas of GIS mapping and data analysis, such as:
- agriculture
- mining
- urban planning
- transport infrastructure
- habitat conservation
- military intelligence
You could also become a GIS senior analyst, GIS engineer or GIS services manager.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of geography
- analytical thinking skills
- maths knowledge
- complex problem-solving skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- design skills and knowledge
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- a graduate training scheme
- the armed forces
You could do a degree in:
- geography
- surveying and mapping
- geographic information science
- Earth sciences
- computer science
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 3 A levels, or equivalent, including at least 1 science
More Information
You can take a college course to learn some of the skills needed for the job. This may help you when applying for a trainee position.
Relevant courses include:
- geography
- engineering surveying
- civil engineering for technicians
- T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
More Information
You can apply for a place on a Geospatial Survey Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, or a Geospatial Mapping and Science Specialist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
More Information
You can apply to join a graduate training scheme with a geospatial data company, if you have a related degree.
You can also work towards this role through the armed forces. The Royal Air Force and the British army offer training to become an air cartographer and geographic technician.
Career tips
Geospatial technicians use specialist GIS software. You could build up your skills and knowledge of this through free online learning resources.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the Association for Geographic Information for professional development and training opportunities.
Further information
You can find out more about careers and training in geographical information systems from:
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.