GIS Technologists and Technicians
Official O*NET title: Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians (15-1299.02)
Also called: gis analyst, gis specialist, gis, geospatial technician, gis admin
Do you do this at work?
Answer each card — it takes about a minute.
Do you do this at work?
Create, analyze, report, convert, or transfer data, using specialized applications program software
Swipe right for yes, left for not me. On a keyboard: → yes, ← not me, Z undo. +2 XP per answer.
How AI is changing gis technologists and technicians work
12 of 22 measurable main tasks for this job show up in real AI-use data, so we rate it Red (lots of AI use) — 55%. 1 newer task is not in the data yet and left out.
This shows where people already use AI, not whether the job will disappear. How we measure this.
Tasks in this job and recorded AI use
- Create, analyze, report, convert, or transfer data, using specialized applications program software (main task) — a lot of recorded AI use
- Create visual representations of geospatial data, using complex procedures such as analytical modeling, three-dimensional renderings, or plot creation (main task) — a lot of recorded AI use
- Perform geospatial data building, modeling, or analysis, using advanced spatial analysis, data manipulation, or cartography software (main task) — a lot of recorded AI use
- Select cartographic elements needed for effective presentation of information (main task) — some recorded AI use
- Provide technical expertise in Geographic Information Systems technology to clients or users (main task) — some recorded AI use
- Recommend procedures, equipment, or software upgrades to increase data accessibility or ease of use (main task) — some recorded AI use
- Provide technical support to users or clients regarding the maintenance, development, or operation of Geographic Information Systems databases, equipment, or applications (main task) — some recorded AI use
- Document, design, code, or test Geographic Information Systems models, internet mapping solutions, or other applications (main task) — some recorded AI use
- Design, program, or model Geographic Information Systems applications or procedures (main task) — some recorded AI use
- Maintain or modify existing Geographic Information Systems databases (main task) — some recorded AI use
- Design or prepare graphic representations of Geographic Information Systems data, using GIS hardware or software applications (main task) — some recorded AI use
- Read current literature, talk with colleagues, continue education, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in Geographic Information Systems technology, equipment, or systems (main task) — some recorded AI use
- Review existing or incoming data for currency, accuracy, usefulness, quality, or completeness of documentation (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Produce data layers, maps, tables, or reports, using spatial analysis procedures or Geographic Information Systems technology, equipment, or systems (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Enter data into Geographic Information Systems databases, using techniques such as coordinate geometry, keyboard entry of tabular data, manual digitizing of maps, scanning or automatic conversion to vectors, or conversion of other sources of digital data (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Interpret aerial or ortho photographs (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Meet with clients to discuss topics such as technical specifications, customized solutions, or operational problems (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Design or coordinate the development of integrated Geographic Information Systems spatial or non-spatial databases (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Talk with users to analyze, configure, or troubleshoot applications (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Collect, compile, or integrate Geographic Information Systems data (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Transfer or rescale information from original photographs onto maps or other photographs (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Perform integrated or computerized Geographic Information Systems analyses to address scientific problems (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Conduct research, data analysis, systems design, or support for software such as Geographic Information Systems or Global Positioning Systems mapping software (main task) — too new for the AI data
- Perform computer programming, data analysis, or software development for Geographic Information Systems applications — some recorded AI use
- Develop specialized computer software routines, internet-based Geographic Information Systems databases, or business applications to customize geographic information — no recorded AI use
- Assist users in formulating Geographic Information Systems requirements or understanding the implications of alternatives — no recorded AI use
- Prepare training materials for, or make presentations to, Geographic Information Systems users — no recorded AI use
- Make recommendations regarding upgrades, considering implications of new or revised Geographic Information Systems software, equipment, or applications — no recorded AI use
- Apply three-dimensional or four-dimensional technologies to geospatial data to allow for new or different analyses or applications — no recorded AI use
Tasks: O*NET 31.0. AI use: Anthropic Economic Index (exact or close text match).
Your first steps (guidance)
- Week 1: Open a free AI assistant and say hello. Follow our “Getting started with AI” guide. Ask it one simple question about your work.
- Week 2: Use AI on one task you do often. Try the prompt for: “Create, analyze, report, convert, or transfer data, using specialized applications program software”. Try the prompt for: “Create visual representations of geospatial data, using complex procedures such as analytical modeling, three-dimensional renderings, or plot creation”.
Tick your own tasks above to get a plan based on what you really do. The first 2 weeks are free; Premium (coming soon) adds weeks 3–12. New to AI? Read our beginner’s guide.
Questions about AI and gis technologists and technicians
Will AI replace gis technologists and technicians?
Our data can’t predict job losses, and we don’t try to. What it does show: 12 of the 23 main tasks for this job match tasks people already use AI for (Anthropic Economic Index), giving a Red rating (lots of AI use). Using AI on a task is not the same as AI doing the whole job, and 15 of the 29 listed tasks show no recorded AI use yet.
Which GIS technician tasks is AI used for most?
In the data, the most AI use among this job’s tasks is for: create, analyze, report, convert, or transfer data, using specialized applications program software; create visual representations of geospatial data, using complex procedures such as analytical modeling, three-dimensional renderings, or plot creation; perform geospatial data building, modeling, or analysis, using advanced spatial analysis, data manipulation, or cartography software.
Which GIS technician tasks show little or no AI use?
For example: review existing or incoming data for currency, accuracy, usefulness, quality, or completeness of documentation; produce data layers, maps, tables, or reports, using spatial analysis procedures or geographic information systems technology, equipment, or systems; enter data into geographic information systems databases, using techniques such as coordinate geometry, keyboard entry of tabular data, manual digitizing of maps, scanning or automatic conversion to vectors, or conversion of other sources of digital data. These are good places to keep building your own skills.
How does this job compare to others?
In Microsoft Research’s “Working with AI” study, this job’s AI applicability score is equal to or higher than 88% of the occupations they scored. That measures overlap with AI chat use, not risk of job loss.
How can a GIS technician start learning AI?
Start small: open a free AI assistant, try it on one task you do often, and always check facts and numbers yourself. The plan on this page is guidance, not professional advice.
See how this job ranks
GIS Technologists and Technicians ranks #102 of 572 jobs for the share of main tasks with AI use (#1 = most), and #19 of 30 in Tech.
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