Geographic Information Systems Technicians
Assist scientists, technologists, or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems (GIS) databases. May also perform some custom application development or provide user support.
AI Impact Summary
Geographic Information Systems Technicians faces moderate AI displacement risk with a score of 38/100. This occupation has higher AI displacement risk than 76% of all analyzed occupations. Of 19 analyzed tasks, 2 are highly automatable, particularly routine cognitive tasks. Strong protective factors — including social intelligence, creativity, or regulatory barriers — significantly reduce effective risk.
Skill Impact Analysis
AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Reading Comprehension is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
AI-Resistant Skills (11)
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Service Orientation is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Persuasion is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
AI-Augmented Skills (7)
Recommended Courses
Courses matched to Geographic Information Systems Technicians skill gaps, ranked by relevance to your displacement risk profile.
Get personalized recommendations. Answer a few questions about your experience and skills to get course suggestions tailored specifically to you.
Upskill to Reduce Risk
Courses addressing your most AI-vulnerable skills
SQL Fundamentals Skill Track
by DataCamp
Estimated Impact
AI-Augmentation Tools
Learn to work alongside AI and boost your productivity
Google UX Design Professional Certificate
by Google
Estimated Impact
Strengthen Your Edge
Double down on skills AI can't replicate
Inspired Leadership Through Emotional Intelligence
by Case Western Reserve University
Estimated Impact
We may earn a commission when you enroll through our links, at no extra cost to you. This helps fund the Takeover Tracker.
Risk reduction and salary impact are estimates based on skill gap analysis, course relevance, and labor market data. Actual results vary by individual circumstance.
Education & Training
Percentage of workers at each education and training level
Education Level
Prior Experience Needed
Work experience required to enter this job
Training Provided After Hiring
How long it typically takes to learn on the job
How AI Impacts Each Task
19 tasks analyzed
Design or prepare graphic representations of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data, using GIS hardware or software applications.
Analyze Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data to identify spatial relationships or display results of analyses, using maps, graphs, or tabular data.
Maintain or modify existing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases.
Enter data into Geographic Information Systems (GIS) 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.
Review existing or incoming data for currency, accuracy, usefulness, quality, or completeness of documentation.
Perform geospatial data building, modeling, or analysis, using advanced spatial analysis, data manipulation, or cartography software.
Design or coordinate the development of integrated Geographic Information Systems (GIS) spatial or non-spatial databases.
Select cartographic elements needed for effective presentation of information.
Provide technical support to users or clients regarding the maintenance, development, or operation of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases, equipment, or applications.
Interpret aerial or ortho photographs.
Confer with users to analyze, configure, or troubleshoot applications.
Recommend procedures or equipment or software upgrades to increase data accessibility or ease of 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 (GIS) technology, equipment, or systems.
Transfer or rescale information from original photographs onto maps or other photographs.
Analyze Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data to determine the best locations for renewable energy sites, including solar or wind energy installations.
Analyze Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data for use in urban planning applications that promote better land use or reduce environmental impacts of development.
Apply Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data in transportation routing settings to determine the best routing to reduce pollution or energy consumption.
Confer with biologists or other researchers in the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data to define wildlife areas or corridors for land use planning.
Participate in projects that map changes in carbon emissions levels across different geographic locations, using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design or prepare graphic representations of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data, using GIS hardware or software applications. | 70Estimated | 55.0% | 10% | |
| Analyze Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data to identify spatial relationships or display results of analyses, using maps, graphs, or tabular data. | 43.33Observed | 44.3% | 10% | |
| Maintain or modify existing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases. | 48.98Observed | 68.8% | 9% | |
| Enter data into Geographic Information Systems (GIS) 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. | 36.9Observed | 64.0% | 9% | |
| Review existing or incoming data for currency, accuracy, usefulness, quality, or completeness of documentation. | 90Estimated | 85.2% | 8% | |
| Perform geospatial data building, modeling, or analysis, using advanced spatial analysis, data manipulation, or cartography software. | 61.02Observed | 51.4% | 8% | |
| Design or coordinate the development of integrated Geographic Information Systems (GIS) spatial or non-spatial databases. | 55Estimated | 49.0% | 6% | |
| Select cartographic elements needed for effective presentation of information. | 58.98Observed | 50.6% | 5% | |
| Provide technical support to users or clients regarding the maintenance, development, or operation of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases, equipment, or applications. | 58.6Observed | 38.4% | 5% | |
| Interpret aerial or ortho photographs. | 85Estimated | 61.0% | 5% | |
| Confer with users to analyze, configure, or troubleshoot applications. | 43.47Observed | 32.4% | 4% | |
| Recommend procedures or equipment or software upgrades to increase data accessibility or ease of use. | 70.15Observed | 55.1% | 3% | |
| Read current literature, talk with colleagues, continue education, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, equipment, or systems. | 10Estimated | 31.0% | 4% | |
| Transfer or rescale information from original photographs onto maps or other photographs. | 95Estimated | 87.2% | 3% | |
| Analyze Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data to determine the best locations for renewable energy sites, including solar or wind energy installations. | 60Estimated | 51.0% | 2% | |
| Analyze Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data for use in urban planning applications that promote better land use or reduce environmental impacts of development. | 55Estimated | 49.0% | 3% | |
| Apply Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data in transportation routing settings to determine the best routing to reduce pollution or energy consumption. | 80Estimated | 59.0% | 2% | |
| Confer with biologists or other researchers in the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data to define wildlife areas or corridors for land use planning. | 20Estimated | 23.0% | 2% | |
| Participate in projects that map changes in carbon emissions levels across different geographic locations, using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data. | 65Estimated | 53.0% | 2% |
Protective Factors
Total protective discount: 28.3%
Essential Soft Skills
Traits that are hard for AI to replicate
Explore other career paths
Compare displacement risk across occupations and find careers with stronger long-term prospects.
Alternate Career Paths
See all transitionsGeospatial Information Scientists and Technologists
34%Higher risk than 64% of other occupations
Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists
34%Median salary: $117,960
Higher risk than 64% of other occupations
Computer Programmers
34%Higher risk than 64% of other occupations
Database Administrators
35%Higher risk than 65% of other occupations
Software Developers, Systems Software
35%Higher risk than 67% of other occupations
Geophysical Data Technicians
36%Higher risk than 69% of other occupations
City and Regional Planning Aides
42%Median salary: $58,040
Higher risk than 86% of other occupations
Social Science Research Assistants
43%Median salary: $58,040
Higher risk than 88% of other occupations
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
47%Median salary: $78,380
Higher risk than 95% of other occupations
Mapping Technicians
54%Median salary: $51,940
Higher risk than 99% of other occupations
Recommendations
Skills to Develop
These skills are at risk from AI automation. Geographic Information Systems Technicians professionals should diversify beyond them.
- Mathematics
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
- Reading Comprehension
High reliance on Reading Comprehension is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
- Information Ordering
High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
- Mathematics
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
- Programming
Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Skills to Leverage
These human-centric skills remain difficult for AI to replicate. Double down here.
- Adaptability/Flexibility
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Complex Problem Solving
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Leadership
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Coordination
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Service Orientation
Service Orientation is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Tools to Adopt
AI can amplify these skills. Learn the tools that augment rather than replace your work.
- Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
- Judgment and Decision Making
Judgment and Decision Making will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
- Active Learning
Active Learning will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
- Writing
Writing will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
- Monitoring
Monitoring will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
Score History
Risk score over 3 scoring runs
overall change