Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists
Research or develop geospatial technologies. May produce databases, perform applications programming, or coordinate projects. May specialize in areas such as agriculture, mining, health care, retail trade, urban planning, or military intelligence.
AI Impact Summary
Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists faces moderate AI displacement risk with a score of 34/100. This occupation has higher AI displacement risk than 64% of all analyzed occupations. Of 24 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 Reading Comprehension 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.
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.
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Service Orientation is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Negotiation is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
AI-Augmented Skills (7)
Recommended Courses
Courses matched to Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists 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
Creative Writing Specialization
by Wesleyan University
Estimated Impact
Strengthen Your Edge
Double down on skills AI can't replicate
Leading People and Teams Specialization
by University of Michigan
Estimated Impact
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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
24 tasks analyzed
Produce data layers, maps, tables, or reports, using spatial analysis procedures or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, equipment, or systems.
Provide technical expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to clients or users.
Perform computer programming, data analysis, or software development for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications, including the maintenance of existing systems or research and development for future enhancements.
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.
Lead, train, or supervise technicians or related staff in the conduct of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analytical procedures.
Perform integrated or computerized Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analyses to address scientific problems.
Collect, compile, or integrate Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data, such as remote sensing or cartographic data for inclusion in map manuscripts.
Conduct or coordinate research, data analysis, systems design, or support for software such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or Global Positioning Systems (GPS) mapping software.
Create, edit, or analyze geospatial data, using Global Positioning Systems (GPS) or digitizing techniques.
Meet with clients to discuss topics such as technical specifications, customized solutions, or operational problems.
Document, design, code, or test Geographic Information Systems (GIS) models, internet mapping solutions, or other applications.
Create, analyze, report, convert, or transfer data, using specialized applications program software.
Develop new applications for geospatial technology in areas such as farmland preservation, pollution measurement, or utilities operations management.
Coordinate the development or administration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) projects, including the development of technical priorities, client reporting and interface, or coordination and review of schedules and budgets.
Design, program, or model Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications or procedures.
Develop specialized computer software routines, internet-based Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases, or business applications to customize geographic information.
Make recommendations regarding upgrades, considering implications of new or revised Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, equipment, or applications.
Assist users in formulating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) requirements or understanding the implications of alternatives.
Create visual representations of geospatial data, using complex procedures such as analytical modeling, three-dimensional renderings, or plot creation.
Prepare training materials for, or make presentations to, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) users.
Coordinate or direct research or publication activities of technicians or related staff.
Provide technical support for computer-based Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping software.
Conduct feasibility studies or identify system, time, equipment, or cost requirements for projects.
Apply three-dimensional (3D) or four-dimensional (4D) technologies to geospatial data to allow for new or different analyses or applications.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Produce data layers, maps, tables, or reports, using spatial analysis procedures or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, equipment, or systems. | 55.65Observed | 49.3% | 8% | |
| Provide technical expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to clients or users. | 62.1Observed | 39.8% | 5% | |
| Perform computer programming, data analysis, or software development for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications, including the maintenance of existing systems or research and development for future enhancements. | 60.55Observed | 51.2% | 8% | |
| 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. | 30Estimated | 39.0% | 3% | |
| Lead, train, or supervise technicians or related staff in the conduct of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analytical procedures. | 15Estimated | 21.0% | 4% | |
| Perform integrated or computerized Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analyses to address scientific problems. | 65Estimated | 53.0% | 6% | |
| Collect, compile, or integrate Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data, such as remote sensing or cartographic data for inclusion in map manuscripts. | 43.1Observed | 66.4% | 6% | |
| Conduct or coordinate research, data analysis, systems design, or support for software such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or Global Positioning Systems (GPS) mapping software. | 60Estimated | 51.0% | 6% | |
| Create, edit, or analyze geospatial data, using Global Positioning Systems (GPS) or digitizing techniques. | 87Estimated | 84.0% | 6% | |
| Meet with clients to discuss topics such as technical specifications, customized solutions, or operational problems. | 41.67Observed | 31.7% | 4% | |
| Document, design, code, or test Geographic Information Systems (GIS) models, internet mapping solutions, or other applications. | 53.6Observed | 48.4% | 5% | |
| Create, analyze, report, convert, or transfer data, using specialized applications program software. | 36.38Observed | 63.8% | 5% | |
| Develop new applications for geospatial technology in areas such as farmland preservation, pollution measurement, or utilities operations management. | 50Estimated | 47.0% | 4% | |
| Coordinate the development or administration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) projects, including the development of technical priorities, client reporting and interface, or coordination and review of schedules and budgets. | 30Estimated | 27.0% | 4% | |
| Design, program, or model Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications or procedures. | 66.07Observed | 53.4% | 4% | |
| Develop specialized computer software routines, internet-based Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases, or business applications to customize geographic information. | 65.62Observed | 53.3% | 4% | |
| Make recommendations regarding upgrades, considering implications of new or revised Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, equipment, or applications. | 50Estimated | 47.0% | 2% | |
| Assist users in formulating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) requirements or understanding the implications of alternatives. | 35Estimated | 29.0% | 3% | |
| Create visual representations of geospatial data, using complex procedures such as analytical modeling, three-dimensional renderings, or plot creation. | 60.75Observed | 51.3% | 3% | |
| Prepare training materials for, or make presentations to, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) users. | 64.58Observed | 40.8% | 2% | |
| Coordinate or direct research or publication activities of technicians or related staff. | 20Estimated | 23.0% | 2% | |
| Provide technical support for computer-based Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping software. | 58.6Observed | 72.6% | 3% | |
| Conduct feasibility studies or identify system, time, equipment, or cost requirements for projects. | 55Estimated | 49.0% | 2% | |
| Apply three-dimensional (3D) or four-dimensional (4D) technologies to geospatial data to allow for new or different analyses or applications. | 60Estimated | 51.0% | 2% |
Protective Factors
Total protective discount: 30.1%
Essential Soft Skills
Traits that are hard for AI to replicate
Explore other career paths
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Alternate Career Paths
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Software Developers, Systems Software
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Cost Estimators
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Logistics Analysts
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Recommendations
Skills to Develop
These skills are at risk from AI automation. Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists professionals should diversify beyond them.
- Reading Comprehension
High reliance on Reading Comprehension 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.
- 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.
- Social Perceptiveness
Social Perceptiveness 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.
- Writing
Writing will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
- Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking 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.
- 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.
- Systems Analysis
Systems Analysis 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