GIS Analyst Overview

Required Education and Training To Become a GIS Analyst

Best Schools to become a GIS Analyst in U.S. 2024

Pennsylvania State University-World Campus

University Park, PA

In-State Tuition:$15,054
Out-of-State Tuition:$15,054
Admission Rate:82%
Graduation Rate:36%
Total Enrollment:13,979

Mississippi State University

Mississippi State, MS

In-State Tuition:$9,248
Out-of-State Tuition:$25,294
Admission Rate:75%
Graduation Rate:63%
Total Enrollment:22,649

University of Washington-Seattle Campus

Seattle, WA

In-State Tuition:$11,189
Out-of-State Tuition:$39,687
Admission Rate:48%
Graduation Rate:84%
Total Enrollment:52,319

Washington State University

Pullman, WA

In-State Tuition:$10,708
Out-of-State Tuition:$26,392
Admission Rate:83%
Graduation Rate:62%
Total Enrollment:27,539

Oregon State University

Corvallis, OR

In-State Tuition:$10,425
Out-of-State Tuition:$31,200
Admission Rate:83%
Graduation Rate:70%
Total Enrollment:34,292

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL

In-State Tuition:$4,477
Out-of-State Tuition:$25,694
Admission Rate:23%
Graduation Rate:90%
Total Enrollment:55,211
GIS Analyst Job Description:
  • Research, study, and prepare maps and other spatial data in digital or graphic form for one or more purposes, such as legal, social, political, educational, and design purposes.
  • May work with Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
  • May design and evaluate algorithms, data structures, and user interfaces for GIS and mapping systems.
  • May collect, analyze, and interpret geographic information provided by geodetic surveys, aerial photographs, and satellite data.

Required Skills and Competencies To Become a GIS Analyst

Job Duties for GIS Analysts

  • Compile data required for map preparation, including aerial photographs, survey notes, records, reports, and original maps.

  • Delineate aerial photographic detail, such as control points, hydrography, topography, and cultural features, using precision stereoplotting apparatus or drafting instruments.

  • Prepare and alter trace maps, charts, tables, detailed drawings, and three-dimensional optical models of terrain using stereoscopic plotting and computer graphics equipment.

Technologies and Skills Used by GIS Analysts

Geographic information system

  • ESRI ArcGIS software
  • Geographic information system GIS software

Map creation software

  • Mapping software
  • Precision analytical aerotriangulation pugging software

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Basic Skills

  • Reading work related information
  • Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Current Job Market and Opportunites for a GIS Analyst

Additional Resources To Help You Become a GIS Analyst

FAQs About Becoming a GIS Analyst