How to become a Geographic Information Systems Officer

Geographic information systems officers design, develop and customise geographic information systems and provide technical and analytical support to address issues such as environmental management, exploration and mining, land ownership and titles, urban and regional planning, utilities and asset management, and demographic marketing.

Personal requirements for a Geographic Information Systems Officer

Able to analyse and solve problems
Good communication and computing skills
Interested in the environment
Able to produce detailed and accurate work
Able to work as part of a team

Education & Training for a Geographic Information Systems Officer

To become a geographic information systems officer you usually have to complete a VET qualification. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have a degree with a major in geographical, spatial or geospatial science; geography; geomatics or surveying. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics, chemistry, physics and biology are normally required. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.

Additional information

Graduates and students may be eligible for membership of the Surveying and Spatial Sciences Institute and the Mapping Sciences Institute, Australia.

Duties & Tasks of a Geographic Information Systems Officer

Geographic information systems officers:

Manipulate and analyse data such as geographic and land information source maps and survey data
Link spatial data for land administration purposes
Develop and customise computer programs used in geographic information systems (GIS)
Prepare, edit and revise cartographic output for the preparation, reproduction and publication of maps.

Tasks

Prepares, edits and revises maps, charts and drawings.
Assists construction managers, architects and surveyors in planning and organisation.
Collects data using surveying instruments and photogrammetric equipment.
Interprets plans, regulations and codes of practice.
Performs routine computations and plotting preliminary data.
Prepares preliminary sketches, working drawings and specifications.

Working conditions for a Geographic Information Systems Officer

The cartographic and analytical output produced by geographic information systems officers is used to aid in the efficient management and use of land assets within Australia.

Employment Opportunities for a Geographic Information Systems Officer

The major employers of geographic information systems officers are federal, state, territory and local government organisations; statutory authorities; and private companies involved in land use, planning and management. There is a demand for specialist skills, ranging from systems development (designing and building geographic databases, spatial management and analysis tools, and web delivery systems) to the application of geographic information systems to provide specialist solutions in environmental, business and development activities.

Specializations

Cartographer

A cartographer designs, prepares and revises maps, charts, plans, three-dimensional models and spatial information databases, often using computer-based techniques and applying principles from science, mathematics and graphic design. Cartographers apply these elements to represent, analyse and manage essential spatial information that services the mining, mineral exploration, mapping, marketing, web publishing, regional planning and environmental management industries.

Geographic Information Systems Officer

Average age
40 years
Future Growth
Stable
Gender Share
23% female
Average full-time
42 hours
Weekly Pay
$1,838
Skill level rating
High skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
80% Full-Time
Employment Size
1,200 workers
Employment by state
ACT: 2.2%
NSW: 35.3%
NT: 1.5%
QLD: 23.8%
SA: 6.2%
TAS: 2.0%
VIC: 18.4%
WA: 10.5%
Age brackets
15-19: 1.2%
20-24: 8.7%
25-34: 28.6%
35-44: 22.7%
45-54: 19.8%
55-59: 8.8%
60-64: 7.5%
65 and Over: 2.8%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 29.7%
Bachelor degree: 19.5%
Certificate III/IV: 21.3%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 5.1%
Year 10 and below: 3.5%
Year 11: 2.7%
Year 12: 18.2%