🌍Unlocking the Power of GIS Software and Skills: A Guide to Advancing Your Career 💻
If you're working in the GIS industry, it would be wise to get familiar with a range of software and skills to be successful. Here's a breakdown of the top software and skills every GIS professional should know, this is only a short list if you have any suggestions tweet us @bozmaps!
1️⃣ FME (Feature Manipulation Engine) is a powerful data integration tool that allows you to convert, transform, and merge data from different sources. With FME, you can automate data processing workflows, ensuring data is correctly formatted and organised.
2️⃣ Python is a high-level programming language that's widely used in the GIS industry for scripting and automation. With Python, you can automate repetitive tasks, create custom geoprocessing tools, and perform advanced data analysis.
3️⃣ SQL Structured Query Language (SQL) is used for managing and manipulating databases. It's essential for GIS professionals who need to work with large datasets and perform complex queries.
4️⃣ PostGIS and PostgreSQL PostGIS is a spatial database extension for PostgreSQL, a popular open-source relational database management system. It allows you to store and manipulate spatial data, perform spatial analysis, and create custom web-based mapping applications.
5️⃣ Microsoft Excel Microsoft Excel is a powerful tool for data analysis and visualisation that's widely used in the GIS industry. With Excel, you can manipulate and analyse large datasets, create custom charts and graphs, and perform complex calculations.
6️⃣ Microsoft Azure is a cloud computing platform that offers a range of services for GIS professionals, including virtual machines, storage, and analytics tools. With Azure, you can scale up or down as needed, making it an excellent choice for managing large datasets.
7️⃣ Amazon S3 is a cloud-based storage service that's widely used in the GIS industry. With S3, you can store and retrieve large amounts of data quickly and easily, making it an excellent choice for managing and sharing GIS data.
8️⃣ Google Earth Engine is a cloud-based platform that allows you to analyse and visualise large amounts of geospatial data. It's particularly useful for monitoring environmental changes, such as deforestation and wildfires.
9️⃣ ArcGIS Online and Enterprise is a cloud-based mapping platform that allows you to create, share, and analyse GIS data online. ArcGIS Enterprise, on the other hand, is a powerful GIS software suite that allows you to manage and share GIS data within your organization.
🔟 QGIS is a free and open-source desktop GIS software that's widely used in the GIS industry. With QGIS, you can perform a range of GIS tasks, including data visualisation, analysis, and editing.
Advancing Your Career:
📚 Learning the software and skills listed above can greatly benefit anyone interested in pursuing a career in the GIS industry. For example, 🚀 FME and 🐍 Python are powerful tools that can help automate repetitive tasks and streamline data processing workflows, making you more efficient and productive in your work. 🔍 SQL and 🔳 PostGIS/PostgreSQL are essential for working with large datasets and performing complex spatial queries, which are often required in GIS-related jobs. 💻 Microsoft Excel is a versatile tool for data analysis and visualisation, which can be particularly useful for those working with large datasets or complex geospatial data. In addition, familiarity with cloud-based platforms such as 🌩️ Microsoft Azure, 🗄️ Amazon S3, and 🌍 Google Earth Engine can provide you with the ability to scale up your work and store large amounts of data, making you better equipped to handle complex GIS projects. Finally, proficiency in GIS software such as 🌐 ArcGIS Online and Enterprise, and 🗺️ QGIS can help you create and analyse spatial data, making you more competitive in the job market and better equipped to take on GIS-related projects in various industries.
Working Towards a GISP Certification:
🎓 Working towards a Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP) certification is a great way to showcase your expertise and dedication to the GIS industry. Earning a GISP requires a combination of 📚 education, 🏢 professional experience, and contributions to the GIS community. Proficiency in the software and skills listed above can greatly assist in working towards a GISP certification. 🚀 FME, 🐍 Python, 🔍 SQL, and 🔳 PostGIS/PostgreSQL are all covered in the GISP exam topics and being well-versed in these tools can help you prepare for the exam. Furthermore, experience with cloud-based platforms such as 🌩️ Microsoft Azure, 🗄️ Amazon S3, and 🌍 Google Earth Engine can demonstrate your ability to work with modern technologies, which is highly valued by employers and the GIS community. Finally, proficiency in 🌐 ArcGIS Online and Enterprise, and 🗺️ QGIS can showcase your ability to work with popular GIS software and perform tasks such as data visualisation and analysis. By mastering these tools and software, you can gain valuable experience that can help you work towards a GISP certification and stand out in the competitive GIS job market.