What Does a GIS Analyst Do?

A GIS analyst’s job description will vary from company to company. Their duties may include the following:

• Documenting a problem and flowcharting the solution of the problem-solution using GIS
• Creating and maintaining the databases.
• Carrying out spatial analysis
• Developing computer software
• Preparing maps and writing supporting documentation.
• Coordinating and sharing geographic information with the people within their organization and industry.

Steps to become a GIS Analyst

For achieving a career as a GIS Analyst few things are very important to make a clear cut decision about your career. Following up are some of these steps which will help you to achieve a career as a GIS Analyst:

• Step 1: Before you begin following your career in the GIS field, you need to check that you simply understand what are your interests, what subject combos one has to be compelled to absorb in your 12th class, and what courses you're eligible to become a GIS Analyst. A career as a GIS Analyst is usually hard-to-please and trying occasionally, you need to have the zeal and motivation to work for the folks even in stressed conditions.
• Step 2: An academic degree in most popular subjects like geography, computer science, surveying engineering, forestry or earth science is usually the minimum education needed to become a GIS Analyst. 
• Step 3: After showing for 10+2 one will appear for the GATE, JEE Advanced, JEE Main and many more entrance exams and solely when qualifying these entrances one would be able, to begin with, their GIS Courses from an honest school. When qualifying for the doorway examination, each student would attend a selected school through guidance wherever they will pursue college/university in GIS.
• Step 4: Once you’ve identified your ideal position in the GIS world, the next step is to get your education. Almost all GIS positions will require a college degree. Once you’ve identified the degree you want to become a GIS Analyst, then you’ll have to find the right institution to pursue that degree. Again, you have many options here.
• Step 5: College and university coursework and real-world experience are essential in helping GIS Analysts to reach their career goals. It’s also important for GIS Analysts to stay current on the industry trends. 
• Step 6: Appearing for entrance and taking admission within the best college or university is simply the start of the journey. This journey is 3 to 4 years long and must be completed with loads of dedication and patience.

Types of GIS Analyst

The job role of a GIS Analyst is one of the most coveted job roles in India. Aspirants who are willing to make a career as a GIS Analyst can have a look at the list below; there are different GIS Analyst’ job profiles which is the hallmark of governance in India.

• Environment Specialist: An environmental specialist is a scientist who is responsible for studying the impact of population on the environment. The environmental specialist observes how the development model has affected the ecosystem. 
• Geographer: A geographer is responsible for studying cultural, political structures of land in geography. He or she prepares a report which is based on their findings and presents it to other stakeholders or makes it available in the public domain for the scholars to study. 
• Data Analyst: Data analysts are responsible for collecting and cleaning data to reveal patterns and perspectives of the market. The day-to-day role of a data analyst varies based on the company, industry, business or the type of data analytic specialization they want.
• Data Scientist: A data scientist is responsible for analyzing, processing, and modelling data and then using it to interpret the results to create actionable plans for business models, companies, and other organizations or industries. 

How to become a GIS Analyst in India

One can start their career as a GIS Analyst soon after passing class 12th whereas others can take time to make up their mind. 

School-level Preparation 

To become a GIS Analyst, a student must be mentally prepared from their school level. They should focus more on subjects like geography, computer science, surveying engineering, forestry or earth science regularly, as geography is the prime subject to study for becoming a GIS Analyst. 

How to become a GIS Analyst after the 12th? 

Students for becoming a GIS Analyst must be determined from their school level. They must focus on geography subjects and try to score good marks in these subjects. 

UG Preparation 

• After completion of class 10+2, a student will have to clear the entrance examination and complete a 3 to 4 years undergraduate course in the field of geoinformatics.
• The graduation course is for 3-4 years in India and then you will have to do an internship to gain experience. 
• The student must have subjects like geography, computer science, in class 12 with 50% in class 12th boards. 

PG Preparations

• To pursue PG courses to become a GIS Analyst, students must hold a bachelor degree in the field of GIS. 
• To appear in various Postgraduate courses, students should appear in the entrance examinations.
• The candidates should also aim at scoring more than 60% of marks in their graduation degree.

Courses to Become GIS Analyst

Several courses are ranging from Bachelor courses to postgraduate degrees for an individual to become a GIS Analyst. Below are a few of them:

BTech Geoinformatics Engineering

BTech Geoinformatics Engineering deals with the issues of geosciences, cartography, geography and other streams which are related to science, engineering and technology. It is a 4-year Undergraduate course where students take subjects like Mathematics, Environmental Studies, Remote Sensing, Introduction to Geology, Drilling Hydraulics among others.

Admission Process 

• BTech Geoinformatics engineering Admission is completed based on entrance exams like JEE Advanced, JEE Main etc or based on merit.
• Shortlisting process: Faculties shortlisted students based on scores obtained within the entrance exams. 
• Final Admission Round: Faculties conduct these rounds to check a candidate’s ability and skills through counselling and interview rounds.

Eligibility Criteria

• Aspiring students should have passed the board examination of class 12th with subjects like Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics or equivalent with a minimum of 55% marks.
• Some reputed colleges and universities conduct an entrance examination for admission in the BTech Geo-Informatics Engineering course.

BE in Geoinformatics

BE Geo-Informatics is an undergraduate Civil Engineering course of 4 years. Geo-informatics is a science that develops and uses the information science infrastructure to address problems related to geography, geosciences and the related branches of engineering. 

Admission Process

• BE Geoinformatics engineering Admission is completed based on entrance exams like JEE Advanced, JEE Main etc or based on merit.
• Shortlisting Process: Faculties shortlisted students based on scores obtained within the entrance exams. 
• Final Admission Round: Faculties conduct these rounds to check a candidate’s ability and skills through counselling and interview rounds.

Eligibility Criteria

• Aspiring students should have completed 10+2 with the subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. The students can also get admissions through Entrance Examinations. Look at the table given above for dates.

MSc in Geoinformatics

MSc Geoinformatics is a postgraduate programme of 2-years which is divided into four semesters of study. It is designed for the students who want to excel in the field of applying geospatial technologies to solve the most complicated world challenges in the environmental, social and economic areas. 

Admission Process

• The candidates must meet the eligibility criteria for indulging in the admission process of the MSc Geoinformatics course.
• The admission to the course is mostly done based on the entrance exam.
• However, there are some colleges and universities which offer admissions that are based on the merit of the student at the qualifying examination of their graduation.
• A candidate has to register on the official websites and provide the necessary personal details.
• Fill the online application form available on the official website of the college/university.
• Appear for the entrance exam on the dates given.
• The results are issued by the institutes based on the marks obtained by all the candidates’ average marks.
• Some colleges and universities may even hold personal interviews before the further admission process.

Eligibility Criteria

• The candidate must have completed their graduation in the Science stream from a recognised institute.
• The candidates can do graduation in either of the fields of Science, Engineering, B.Arch, Mathematics, Economics, Statistics, Geology, etc.
• The candidates must have scored at least 55% aggregate at the qualifying exam of graduation.
• There is no age limit for pursuing the MSc Geoinformatics course.

MTech in Geoinformatics

MTech Geoinformatics is a postgraduate degree programme of 2 years which is divided 9into 4 semesters of study that equips students with the knowledge and skills to acquire, store, manage, analyze, and visualize geographic information.

Admission Process 

• Admission into MTech Geoinformatics is based on entrance exams.
• Many Institutes give admission to students based on scores in the GATE entrance exam. GATE qualified candidates can register for the counselling process at either COAP or CCMT.
• The admission is also done based on state-level entrance tests. Candidates who appear and qualify for the state entrance tests are invited for the respective counselling sessions and subsequent seat allocation.
• Many Colleges and universities also accept direct admission that meets prescribed eligibility criteria and is based on previous academic records, and professional experience, if any.

Eligibility Criteria

• A candidate must hold a UG degree in Engineering in the relevant stream with a minimum of 60% marks aggregate.
• Candidates need to clear entrance exams that are required for getting admission to the MTech Geoinformatics course.

ME in Geoinformatics

ME Geoinformatics is a postgraduate Information Technology Management course of 2 years, divided into 4 semesters. The ME in Geoinformatics degree programme is aimed at developing science graduates in the field of Informatics of the Earth. 

Admission Process 

• Students are required to fill the application form and submit it before the deadline date. 
• Admission based on the entrance examinations depends on the marks scored by the students whereas direct admission depends on the candidate's marks and cut-off rates.
• Certain private colleges and universities have a direct admission method where the students are called for counselling sessions based on their application form and undergraduates scores along with skills possessed. 
• Students who are admitted by this method are subjected to pay a capitation fee and an assurance to improve their score during the course study.

Eligibility Criteria 

• The candidates should have completed graduation in Engineering, IT, Computer Science, Science, Agriculture, Management, Geography and Commerce with a minimum of 50% marks (45% marks for SC/ST candidates).
• Some of the reputed colleges and institutes conduct their entrance examination for admission to the course.

BA in Geography

BA Geography is an undergraduate Geography course of 3 years. Geography is the science which deals with the study of the earth and its lands, features, inhabitants, phenomena and many more. 

Admission Process 

• Generally, the admissions are 10+2 results-based.
• Some colleges and universities have their entrance exam for admissions.
• Once a candidate clears the first round of selection then they will be required to attend a final process of admission i.e., the interview round.

Eligibility Criteria

• Aspiring students should have passed 12th class with high marks in Social Sciences including Geography or equivalent from a recognized board of education.

How to Become GIS Analyst Abroad

Students also prefer to pursue GIS courses from abroad. Many abroad countries like the USA, Australia, UK, and Canada, etc offer UG and PG courses in the geoinformatics field for the aspirants. The admission procedure in the courses related to the geoinformatics field is different in abroad countries from India and the eligibility requirements for the students are also different in the foreign countries.

UK 

The UK is the best country to pursue geoinformatics courses. Students can opt for many specializations in geoinformatics from the UK. Career growth and future job prospects are very wide for the students pursuing geoinformatics courses from the United Kingdom.

Admission Process: The admission process to pursue geoinformatics courses in the UK is based on the scores obtained in graduation and the entrance examination.

• Educational Requirements: To pursue engineering courses in the UK, students need to have a prior degree in the Science stream and should be a graduate degree in geoinformatics.
• Other Requirements:
• Minimum two reference letters from the academic professors.
• Candidates must have valid scores in entry requirement tests like TOEFL and IELTS etc.
• Candidates must have valid student visas and citizenship certificates, etc.

Top Colleges 

US 

Students can pursue full-time UG and PG courses in geoinformatics from the USA. The duration of this geoinformatics course is 3 years. After completing the course in geoinformatics, students get various job opportunities in the USA and other countries as well.

Admission Process: The admission process to pursue UG and PG courses of geoinformatics in the USA based on the scores obtained in the last qualifying exam and the entrance examinations conducted by the USA universities.

• Educational Requirements: To pursue geoinformatics courses in the USA, students need to have a prior 10+2 or bachelor's degree in the Science stream. Students should have subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as the main subjects at their academic levels.
• Other Requirements:
• A minimum GPA of 3.0 -3.5 on a scale of 4.0 or equivalent is a must.
• Minimum two reference letters from the academic professors.
• Candidates must have valid scores in entry requirement tests like TOEFL and IELTS etc.
• Candidates must have valid student visas and citizenship certificates, etc.

Top Colleges 

Canada

To pursue geoinformatics courses from Canada, students need to pursue 10+2 in the Science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects. For pursuing master's degree courses, students should be a graduate in geoinformatics in any discipline.

Admission Process: The admission process to pursue geoinformatics courses in Canada is based on the scores obtained in 10+2 and graduation and also in the entrance examination.

• Educational Requirements: To pursue geoinformatics courses in Canada, students need to have a prior bachelor's or master’s degree in engineering with 75% to 80%.
• Other Requirements:
• Minimum two reference letters from the academic professors.
• Candidates must have valid scores in entry requirement tests like TOEFL and IELTS etc.
• Candidates must have valid student visas and citizenship certificates, etc.

Top Colleges 

Australia 

Students from India and other foreign countries prefer Australia to pursue geoinformatics courses. Job opportunities are very good for the students who pursued geoinformatics courses in Australia.UG, PG, and PhD courses in geoinformatics are available for the students.

Admission Process: The admission process to pursue geoinformatics courses in Australia is based on the marks obtained in graduation and post-graduation and the scores obtained in the entrance examination.

• Educational Requirements: To pursue master’s courses, students should have a prior bachelor’s degree in geoinformatics with a specialization. Students must study science subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics at their higher school level.
• Other Requirements:
• Minimum two reference letters from the academic professors.
• Candidates must have valid scores in entry requirement tests like TOEFL and IELTS etc.
• Candidates must have valid student visas and citizenship certificates, etc.

Top Colleges

Benefits of Career as GIS Analyst

There are a lot of benefits to a career as a GIS Analyst.

• High earning potential: Careers in the GIS field pay a good deal over most different fields, with a number of the very best paying entry-level positions. On prime of that, if you're employed arduously early, you'll be able to quickly create immense strides forward in your career and skill a generous increase in pay.
• Job security: Job security is a vital perk to a career as a GIS Analyst because it is an in-demand occupation. Positions within the field are typically secure. 
• Difficult career: A job in GIS isn’t precisely straightforward. It takes brains, labour and education to achieve success, keeping employees on their toes. If one works arduously and applies themselves early within their career it doesn’t take long to manoeuvre up in the ranks, thus a person will earn a lot and face new and exciting obstacles.
• The chance to continue your education: Employers within the GIS sector wish to see their workers continue advancing their education. Earning a better degree additionally means that earning a better bank check, so the effort to coach yourself extremely pays off.
• Unique expertise: The GIS sector is various and choked with many various career choices for professionals. There are good kinds of specializations one will attain to focus on one side of the GIS sector.

Skills required for GIS Analyst

A GIS analyst needs to be equipped with very specific knowledge. Ideally, they will have:

• GIS analysts must possess strong IT skills
• GIS analysts can manipulate complex databases
• GIS analysts must be highly detail-oriented
• GIS analysts must be clean writers and thoughtful communicators
• GIS analysts must have good programming skills
• GIS analysts must have a good presence of mind
• GIS analysts must pay attention to detail 
• GIS analysts must have an analytical mind
• GIS analysts must have the creative ability
• GIS analysts must have innovative thinking capability
• GIS analysts must have math and statistical skills
• GIS analysts must have high imagination and visualization skills
• An understanding of the map scale issues as they apply to the problem domain
• An ability to harness problem domain knowledge from end-users.
• Lastly, GIS analysts must have training in GIS

Salary of a GIS Analyst in India

The GIS Analyst has a salary according to their hierarchy and experience. It is also dependent on the department of the GIS and the country they are posted in.

Average Annual Salary

Specialisation Wise 

Gender Wise

Experience Wise