Precision Agriculture Technicians
Career Snapshot
A geographic information system, or GIS, is a computer system that collects and saves information about locations on the Earth's surface. It's used to make maps that reveal spatial linkages, which are useful for planning and communication in industries including agriculture, health care, retail trade, and military intelligence. GIS technicians, as well as geographic information scientists and technologists, use GIS technology to create data layers, maps, graphs, and reports. They collect data from remote sensing equipment and cartographic or GPS maps and enter it into GIS databases. Because data accuracy, currency, and quality are crucial, they must thoroughly evaluate the data. GIS specialists use clean data to programme computers, analyse data, and develop software for GIS applications. Many GIS technicians, as well as geospatial information scientists and technologists, conduct their own research or design research for clients to use in a variety of projects, ranging from identifying ideal locations for solar or wind energy installations to routing transportation to minimise energy consumption to defining wildlife areas. They frequently work in groups and guide analyses to focus on specific projects or challenges. Workweeks are typically 40 hours in length. A bachelor's degree is required for the majority of employment, but not all. A master's degree is not uncommon among those working in the profession.