Geographic Information Systems Professionals Research Articles

An analysis of qualifications and requirements for geographic information systems (GIS) positions in the United States

AbstractAs the demand for geospatial analytics continues to grow, geographic information systems (GIS) professionals are needed to build, operate, and maintain GIS technologies, data, and software to provide geospatial insights for modern industries and organizations. To best train the next generation of GIS professionals, an understanding of qualifications and requirements of GIS positions is needed. Thus, this work analyzes 508 GIS positions, grouped by position type (analysts, developers, educators, managers, specialists, technicians) to provide insights on key pre‐requisite requirements, such as education, experience, certifications, soft communication skills, programming skills, and knowledge of GIS or IT. In general, possession of a bachelor's degree in GIS, geography, or computer science, prior professional experience, and knowledge of GIS and IT software were common pre‐requisites for most GIS roles. Soft communication skills were also frequently desired for GIS roles. We also found that some position requirements tended to vary by position type, such as manager and developer roles requiring on average 5 years or higher prior experience, while analyst, specialist, and technician roles had much lower experience and education requirements. Higher education institutions and GIS training programs should note the desired requirements for GIS position types and continue to refine programs and develop pathways for success for aspiring GIS professionals.

Activity Theory Approach and Geographic Information Systems Affordance for Effective Land Management and Administration Actualization

This research explores the challenges and drivers of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) affordance actualization within the Ministry of Land and Survey, Yola, Nigeria. The problem at hand is the underutilization of GIS technology in many public organizations, often resulting in failed projects and misfit due to cultural inclinations. To address this issue, Activity Theory was employed as a theoretical framework, innovatively applying it to the interpretation of human-technology interactions within a public sector setting. An in-depth interpretive research study at the Ministry of Land and Survey (MLS) was conducted, focusing on the sub-unit triangular and subject-cascaded models guided by integrated nested Activity Theory. The research reveals novel insights into the application of GIS in public organizations. The findings underscore the critical role of factors such as funding, legitimization, technology (tools), user cognition, geo-visualization, spatial infrastructure, and outcomes in facilitating GIS affordance actualization. These elements have been redefined within the context of land administration in public organizations. The research introduces two new theoretical constructs, "Spatial Data Infrastructure" and "Geo-visualization," further extending the integrated Activity Theory constructs. The importance of this study lies in its potential to inform GIS professionals, developers, and policymakers. The newly developed mid-level theoretical model, Spatial Information Affording Approach (SISAA) offers a comprehensive framework for designing effective GIS systems that streamline land transactions, enhance revenue generation, reduce land disputes, and bolster the overall integrity of land administration in public sectors. This research contributes not only to the Nigerian context but also holds relevance for public organizations worldwide that use GIS in land management. In conclusion, this study bridges a significant gap in the current body of knowledge by providing a spatially enabled theoretical framework for GIS applications in culturally organized public organizations. It has the potential to drive improvements in land administration and promote the successful implementation of GIS in the public sector, aligning with global agendas such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

GeoLOD: A Spatial Linked Data Catalog and Recommender

The increasing availability of linked data poses new challenges for the identification and retrieval of the most appropriate data sources that meet user needs. Recent dataset catalogs and recommenders provide advanced methods that facilitate linked data search, but none exploits the spatial characteristics of datasets. In this paper, we present GeoLOD, a web catalog of spatial datasets and classes and a recommender for spatial datasets and classes possibly relevant for link discovery processes. GeoLOD Catalog parses, maintains and generates metadata about datasets and classes provided by SPARQL endpoints that contain georeferenced point instances. It offers text and map-based search functionality and dataset descriptions in GeoVoID, a spatial dataset metadata template that extends VoID. GeoLOD Recommender pre-computes and maintains, for all identified spatial classes in the Web of Data (WoD), ranked lists of classes relevant for link discovery. In addition, the on-the-fly Recommender allows users to define an uncatalogued SPARQL endpoint, a GeoJSON or a Shapefile and get class recommendations in real time. Furthermore, generated recommendations can be automatically exported in SILK and LIMES configuration files in order to be used for a link discovery task. In the results, we provide statistics about the status and potential connectivity of spatial datasets in the WoD, we assess the applicability of the recommender, and we present the outcome of a system usability study. GeoLOD is the first catalog that targets both linked data experts and geographic information systems professionals, exploits geographical characteristics of datasets and provides an exhaustive list of WoD spatial datasets and classes along with class recommendations for link discovery.

A formal framework for the representation of stack-based terrains

ABSTRACTThis paper presents a formal framework for the representation of three-dimensional geospatial data and the definition of common geographic information system (GIS) spatial operations. We use the compact stack-based representation of terrains (SBRT) in order to model geological volumetric data, both at the surface and subsurface levels, thus preventing the large storage requirements of regular voxel models. The main contribution of this paper is fitting the SBRT into the geo-atom theory in a seamless way, providing it with a sound formal geographic foundation. In addition we have defined a set of common spatial operations on this representation using the tools provided by map algebra. More complex geoprocessing operations or geophysical simulations using the SBRT as representation can be implemented as a composition of these fundamental operations. Finally a data model and an implementation extending the coverage concept provided by the Geography Markup Language standard are suggested. Geoscientists and GIS professionals can take advantage of this model to exchange and reuse geoinformation within a well-specified framework.

Evolving technology, shifting expectations: cultivating pedagogy for a rapidly changing GIS landscape

As humans and natural processes continuously reshape the surface of the Earth, there is an unceasing need to document and analyze them through the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The public is gaining more access to spatial technologies that were once only available to highly trained professionals. With technological evolution comes a requirement to transition traditional GIS training for the next generation of GIS professionals. Traditional GIS combined with non-traditional GIS (i.e. mobile and location media) and CyberGIS educational materials could attract new and diverse students into Geography departments while informing the next generation of geospatial tool builders and users. Here we pose an applied pedagogical framework for teaching cutting-edge GIS material to diverse student populations with varying levels of technological experience and professional goals. The framework was developed as part of the National Science Foundation (NSF) CyberGIS Fellows program and was applied as a course template at the University of Washington Tacoma’s Master’s of Science in Geospatial Technologies. We chart how the framework developed into a cyclical structure from our original conceptualization as a hierarchy. This changed the epistemological orientation accommodating the shifting technological terrain of the GIS landscape to improve the skills of those driving the machines.

Facilitating PPGIS Through University Libraries

Equitable access to local geospatial data continues to pose challenges to the knowledge production efforts of marginalized citizen groups. While local government agencies have provided greater access to public data sets through their internet Geographic Information System (GIS) sites, data cannot always be downloaded and used directly by citizens. Past research demonstrates that data sharing at the local level can be a challenging task, mired by legal, institutional, and personal issues. Despite the hype about open data in government, its acceptance and implementation is slow at the local scale. The need for a centralized data repository system at the local scale is thus crucial. This research explores the recent groundbreaking effort to establish a state-wide geospatial portal among the 26 University of Wisconsin (UW) library systems. Through a survey and follow up interviews conducted among public land information professionals in Wisconsin, we find that GIS professionals in local and county governments are open to data sharing through a common geospatial portal. Simultaneously, the efforts to introduce open source GIS software and technical skills through workshops conducted by the library staff demonstrate new ways to facilitate Public Participation GIS (PPGIS). Our research thus demonstrates that university libraries can emerge as an effective model for advancing PPGIS through geoportals, web services, and data and applications in the cloud.

Assessing professional benefits of GIS certification

ABSTRACTThe certification of geographic information system (GIS) professionals remains a contentious topic. After more than 25 years, the GIS community remains divided over the need to formally recognize GIS professionals who maintain standards of professional competency and conduct. Unfortunately, few studies have examined individuals who have become certified or the professional benefits of certification. This study explores GIS certification through a survey of 1731 geospatial professionals who became geographic information systems professionals (GISPs) between 2003 and 2014. A web-based questionnaire asked GISPs about the certification process, its influence on their compensation and advancement, and other issues. Quantitative and qualitative findings suggest that perceptions about certification fall along a wide spectrum with GISPs employed in private industry seeing fewer benefits compared with those employed in government or not-for-profit organizations. While a large number of respondents conveyed pride in completing the certification process, others expressed frustration over the program’s lack of visibility, standards that have enabled less qualified peers to become certified, and the slow progress at which GIS certification has achieved respect compared with programs administered in other fields such as engineering and planning.

The Importance of Geographic Information Systems Education at Universities in the Process of Building a European Knowledge-based Society

Geoinformatics represented by its most powerful technology - Geographic Information Systems (GIS) has become an important part of many disciplines and cuts across all areas of modern information society. Geoinformation industry has seen in the last few years a huge boom. Development of spatially oriented databases, Web map services, navigation and localization using GNSS have brought leap in the use of GIS technology general public. With the development of GIS is directly related to the need for training in GIS issues in higher education. Education of GIS experts in the field of development services using GIS technology requires the establishment a quality bachelor and engineering study programs. Study program with such orientation was established in 2005 at the Faculty BERG, Technical University of Kosice (Slovakia) titled “Surveying and Geographic Information Systems”. Since its establishment the program has been improved several times and his corpus reflects the current needs of the European knowledge-based society. Study program educates mainly GIS professionals with a focus on geodesy and cartography, but graduates are also applicable in other areas of the European labor market too.

A review of geographic variation and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications in prescription drug use research

While understanding geography's role in healthcare has been an area of research for over 40 years, the application of geography-based analyses to prescription medication use is limited. The body of literature was reviewed to assess the current state of such studies to demonstrate the scale and scope of projects in order to highlight potential research opportunities. To review systematically how researchers have applied geography-based analyses to medication use data. Empiric, English language research articles were identified through PubMed and bibliographies. Original research articles were independently reviewed as to the medications or classes studied, data sources, measures of medication exposure, geographic units of analysis, geospatial measures, and statistical approaches. From 145 publications matching key search terms, forty publications met the inclusion criteria. Cardiovascular and psychotropic classes accounted for the largest proportion of studies. Prescription drug claims were the primary source, and medication exposure was frequently captured as period prevalence. Medication exposure was documented across a variety of geopolitical units such as countries, provinces, regions, states, and postal codes. Most results were descriptive and formal statistical modeling capitalizing on geospatial techniques was rare. Despite the extensive research on small area variation analysis in healthcare, there are a limited number of studies that have examined geographic variation in medication use. Clearly, there is opportunity to collaborate with geographers and GIS professionals to harness the power of GIS technologies and to strengthen future medication studies by applying more robust geospatial statistical methods.

Exploring a Web-Based Pedagogical Model to Enhance GIS Education

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are defined as: “An integrated collection of computer software and data used to view and manage information about geographic places, analyze spatial relationships, and model spatial processes.” (Wade & Sommer, 2006) Originally, GIS users were comprised primarily of scientists and engineers. In time, hardware and software advancements provided the catalyst for expanded use by the global community. In addition, the continued integration and access to information systems via the Internet and mobile devices has contributed to the success of GIS in society. Aside from commercial training, institutions of higher learning have played a major role in the technical training of GIS professionals. As with other technically orientated topics of study, pedagogical considerations exist that include: problem solving skills, information retention, and approaches towards learning. A pedagogical approach utilizing student generated and existing Internet GIS resources may provide an effective method of addressing GIS education.

The role of GIS in Digital Earth education

A growing number of educators worldwide have become convinced that geotechnologies – including geographic information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS), and remote sensing – are key technologies to prepare students to be tomorrow's decision makers. Grappling with local, regional, and global issues of the 21st century requires people who think spatially and who can use geotechnologies. Some educators teach geotechnologies as a discipline, emphasising skills. Other educators use geotechnologies as a tool to teach content, such as geography, history, environmental studies, Earth Science, biology, mathematics, economics and other disciplines. Issues such as traffic, population growth, urban sprawl, energy, water, crime, human health, biodiversity and sustainable agriculture are growing in complexity, exist at every scale and increasingly affect people's everyday lives. Each of these issues has a spatial component. Drivers for geotechnology education include educational content standards, constructivism, the school-to-career movement, active learning, citizenship education, authentic practice and assessment, interdisciplinary education, community connections and a sustained, increasing demand for GIS professionals. Digital Earth is an ideal framework for contextualising domains of inquiry. The Digital Earth community can have a significant impact on the growth of geotechnologies in education, and conversely, the growth of geotechnologies in education and society can foster the forward movement of Earth systems concepts.

GIS Collection Development within an Academic Library

Locating usable spatial data is essential for the application and use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). GIS data collection development constitutes a core element of GIS services within academic libraries. Managers of geospatial resources require a fundamental understanding of the nature and use of GIS data. In the creation of a GIS collection development policy, library professionals should consider the established collection development policy, needs of the GIS user community, campus GIS services, and library infrastructure. Library professionals also need to employ a variety of online resource guides and spatial search engines and navigate a network of government agencies, academic institutions, commercial enterprises, and GIS professionals to locate, select, and acquire spatial datasets. When making decisions regarding GIS data acquisition, the selector should consider cost, availability, license agreements and distribution policies, documentation, data structures, and software and hardware.

Visualisation of Fuzzy Boundaries of Geographic Objects

The linguistic notions such as very low, low, not low, low or medium are commonly used to name classes in current geographic information systems (GIS). These sorts of linguistic notions are frequently utilised in the social sciences as well. There is little doubt that the social sciences require a formal and even a mathematical framework for handling graded categories with blurred boundaries. In the past decades, much effort has been made to model the kind of fuzziness (or possibility) from the field of mathematics. Geographers and GIS professionals have started to treat this issue since a decade ago. This short article provides detailed discussions with a case study on how to visualise fuzziness, involving colour surfaces, coloured contour lines and 3D model simulation. The author's argument is that effective visualisation of fuzzy boundaries will facilitate the understanding of geographic objects with indeterminate boundaries. An earlier version of this paper was presented at the Workshop on Graphics, V...

Application of GIS for environmental impact analysis in a traffic relief study

This paper presents an application of a Geographic Information System (GIS) in a traffic relief study. Traffic congestion has severely affected the environmental quality and the quality of life for residents in the study area. A team which consisted of planners, environmental specialists, historians, landscape architects, traffic engineers, and GIS professionals was organized to solve the problem. The environmental and socio-economic impacts of highway alignments have been evaluated from the very first step and every major decision-making for the duration of the project. The GIS professionals have played a crucial role in maintaining constant and active interactions among members of the project team, federal and state agencies, and the public. GIS has been used to develop natural and cultural resource inventory, to identify contamination sources, to assess environmental constraints and to evaluate proposed highway alignment alternatives. GIS provides an ideal atmosphere for professionals to analyze data, to apply models and to make best decisions. The high quality map products created with GIS enhance the quality of public presentations and reports. The authors feel that more people have realized the benefit of using GIS along with the progress of the project.

Developing a curriculum in geographic information systems: the national center for geographic information and analysis core curriculum project

Abstract We describe a major effort by the National Center for Geographic Information and Analysis (NCGIA) to develop teaching materials in support of courses in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The project is motivated by the current high level of demand for GIS professionals and by the need to distinguish between software training on the one hand, and education in the intellectual and conceptual basis of GIS on the other. The teaching materials were assembled from contributions by many GIS educators and tested in a number of institutions worldwide. The activities described in this article were followed by an evaluation programme during 1989–90 and culminated in the release of a revised version in the summer of 1990.