Geographical Information Sciences


 Topics
Overview
The work
Job profile
Requirement
Employment
Resources
Overview


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Geographical Information Systems (GIS) can be regarded as the high-tech equivalent of a map. An individual map contains a lot of information which is used in different ways by different individuals and organisations. It represents the means of locating ourselves in relation to the world around us. Maps are used in diverse applications; from locating telephone wires under our feet to displaying the extent of de-forestation in the Brazilian Amazon.

The map has been in existence in much the same form for thousands of years. In the traditional form it suffers from a number of problems. First, maps are static, and, therefore, difficult and expensive to keep up to date.

This relates to a second problem, in that because they are static they lose flexibility, for example maps exist as discrete sheets and invariably your area of interest lies on the corner of four adjacent sheets. In addition, maps are often very complex and may require an expert to extract the particular data which is of interest.

GIS provides the facility to extract the different sets of information from a map (roads, settlements, vegetation, etc.) and use these as required. This provides great flexibility, allowing a paper map to be quickly produced which exactly meets the needs of the user.

However, GIS goes further. Because the data is stored on a computer, analysis and modelling become possible. For example, one might point at two buildings, ask the computer to describe each from an attached database (much more information than could be displayed on a paper map) and then calculate the best route between these.

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The Work

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GIS managers are employed by a wide range of organisations. Major employers include the utilities, local authorities, producers of maps and specialist GIS consultancy firms. Many other organisations may need specific information and contract in GIS expertise for a particular purpose. Consultancy firms supply these services, and GIS software specialists produce the software required for GIS applications.

A typical role for a GIS manager is difficult to define. All GIS managers will, however, manage the process which brings together information held on one or more databases, and overlay the data onto a graphic using computer technology.

One example of an application might be for a GIS consultancy to assist an insurance company to locate properties in a particular area in danger of flooding if certain weather conditions prevail and to identify the addresses, postal codes and insurance cover held by householders. The insurance company may, subsequently, use this information to market their services to specified households to increase business.

In the water industry for example, GIS managers may have responsibility to provide information about the condition of pipes, the length of the water supply network, or the number of households affected by the closure of supply at one particular location.

The job title asset information manager, that is, the person who can supply information about the assets of the organisation, is perhaps a more appropriate and more widely used title in this industry.

Much of the work of the GIS manager is non-technical. It does not usually involve programming or systems design. The work is more akin to project management; identifying the nature of the information required, setting up and managing the teams of programmers, systems analysts or data input technicians needed to provide the end result.

GIS managers also oversee the continual development of existing systems and procedures to offer new services to clients. They need to be able to spot potential markets for their services and organise their teams to exploit these openings.

The personal characteristics needed should reflect the managerial, rather than technical nature of the role. Whilst a GIS manager needs to be computer literate and may have had experience in developing software, using databases or computer-aided design, skills of negotiation, team management, budgetary control and marketing are far more relevant.

GIS managers are unlikely to spend a great deal of time away from their base. Although it is unusual for GIS managers to work more than their contractual hours on a regular basis, hours worked will vary depending on the urgency of any project being undertaken. A GIS manager could be overseeing the work of 20, or more, individuals in the utilities, but could be working alone in a small local authority.

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Job Profile

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A typical role for a GIS manager is difficult to define. All GIS managers will, however, manage the process which brings together information held on one or more databases, and overlay the data onto a graphic using computer technology.

One example of an application might be for a GIS consultancy to assist an insurance company to locate properties in a particular area in danger of flooding if certain weather conditions prevail and to identify the addresses, postcodes and insurance cover held by householders. The insurance company may, subsequently, use this information to market their services to specified households to increase business.

In the water industry for example, GIS managers may have responsibility to provide information about the condition of pipes, the length of the water supply network, or the number of households affected by the closure of supply at one particular location.

The job title asset information manager, that is, the person who can supply information about the assets of the organisation, is perhaps a more appropriate and more widely used title in this industry.

Much of the work of the GIS manager is non-technical. It does not usually involve programming or systems design. The work is more akin to project management; identifying the nature of the information required, setting up and managing the teams of programmers, systems analysts or data input technicians needed to provide the end result.

GIS managers also oversee the continual development of existing systems and procedures to offer new services to clients. They need to be able to spot potential markets for their services and organise their teams to exploit these openings.

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Requirement
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Whilst there are junior posts in GIS departments, such as digitisers (individuals who take data from maps and input them into databases), GIS managers are just as likely to begin their careers in a completely different setting.

A background in general management, accountancy, or engineering, could be as useful as previous experience in a junior GIS position.

Relevant IT experience in programming, or systems analysis in a non-GIS environment, would also be acceptable preparation for this role.

GIS managers are likely to have a degree in one of the following disciplines: computer science, engineering, geography, geology or surveying. Some employers may favour applicants with a masters degree in GIS, but in the larger organisations where many systems used are tailor-made for individual projects and extensive training is given, a strong background in GIS is not usually needed for the more junior positions.

The personal characteristics needed reflect the managerial, rather than technical nature of the role. Whilst a GIS manager needs to be computer literate and may have had experience in developing software, using databases or computer aided design, skills of negotiation, team management, budgetary control and marketing are far more relevant. Consequently, this is not a post for which a new graduate is likely to be considered.

Geographers must have acumen to handle statistical data. Observation, skills to draw relevant inferences based on compiled information, writing reports and making judgements is required.

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Employment
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GIS managers are employed by a wide range of organisations. Major employers include the utilities, local authorities, producers of maps and specialist GIS consultancy firms. Many other organisations may need specific information and contract in GIS expertise for a particular purpose.

Consultancy firms supply these services, and GIS software specialists produce the software required for GIS applications.

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Resources
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Though geography is a social science subject, it lays heavy emphasis on mathematics and statistics. Students may opt to study the subject along with science, commerce or humanities options at school.

A graduate course in the subject is only a foundation for professional preparation and essentially entails a post-graduate or even a doctoral degree. Institutes that offer formal training in GIS are:

Utkal University,
Bhubaneshwar 751 004
Orissa
M.Sc. Applied Geography
University of Madras,
Chepauk,
Triplicane PO,
Chennai 600 005
M.Sc. Applied Geography
Karnataka University,
Pavate Nagar,
Dharwad 580 003,
Karnataka
M.Sc. Applied Geography
Guru Nanak Dev University,
Amritsar 143 005
M.Sc. Applied Geography
Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya,
Sagar 470 003,
Madhya Pradesh
M.Sc. Applied Geography
Anna University,
Sardar Patel Road,
Guindy,
Chennai 600 025
BE Geographical Information
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