Millions of Americans logged on to the internet daily during the COVID-19 pandemic and, without knowing it, became devoted end-users of advanced geographic information systems (GIS).
That’s when public health organizations integrated GIS data on caseloads, hospitalizations and deaths to provide dynamic, interactive visualizations and web-based dashboards of the virus’s spread.
The Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) is acknowledged as the first to integrate GIS capabilities with data collected from public health officials at the county level. States soon adopted the systems to provide planners, the media and citizens with near-real-time updates.
While COVID-19 made GIS a go-to technology in the public health sector, it is also used widely in industries as diverse as urban and environmental planning, disaster and supply chain management, insurance and agriculture.
“GIS mapping is the future,” according to EOS Data Analytics, as planners and researchers adopt advances in machine learning (ML), remote sensing and data and imaging analytics to identify patterns, trends and anomalies in data.
How Do Professionals Acquire Expertise Using GIS in Business?
An online Master of Science in Integrated Scientific Applications (MSISA) – Geoinformatics program is an ideal way to gain advanced understanding and skills in collecting, interpreting and analyzing data.
The MSISA – Geoinformatics curriculum offered online by Millersville University, for instance, gives students a strong science background in cutting-edge technologies — including ML and deep learning, modeling, predictive analytics and data management — and operations management knowledge.
What Career Opportunities Are Open to Geoinformatics Specialists?
Graduates of Millersville University’s online MSISA – Geoinformatics program with technical systems proficiency, data skills and advanced understanding in the complexities of Earth systems are well-positioned for careers across the economic spectrum. Roles include the following:
- Research technicians are tasked with setting up, operating and maintaining equipment, including complex computer systems and advanced technologies. Technicians also assist in data analysis and image interpretation and collaborate with scientists to identify trends, patterns and anomalies in data sets. According to Salary.com, annual salaries for research technicians range from $39,715 to $51,187, with the average estimated at $44,387.
- GIS environmental analysts collect and organize geographic data, satellite, terrestrial images and surveys to create and update digital maps. GIS analysts specializing in environmental management and protection play key roles in mapping wildlife habitats, assessing land use, modeling environmental impacts and collaborating with planners to make informed decisions that support sustainability and solve ecological problems. Average base salaries for GIS analysts average $58,750.
- Database administrators in the public and private sectors manage and maintain systems for data collection and storage, ensuring the integrity, security and performance of those processes. Other responsibilities include designing and implementing data backup protocols, troubleshooting storage and retrieval exceptions, and collaborating with data analysts and scientists to optimize segmentation queries. The early career annual compensation averages $82,455 and goes up to $132,107 for highly experienced professionals.
- Project managers (PM) determine and define the scope of process refinement, technology installations and other projects. Specific responsibilities include predicting costs, planning budgets, assigning tasks, developing timelines, preparing contingencies and measuring performance to identify areas for improvement. Seven out of 10 projects fail for lack of proper management, making PM a high-demand role. Average annual compensation is $93,435 and exceeds $144,000 for highly experienced professionals.
- Data analysts gather, clean and analyze data to extract meaningful insights. They use statistical techniques, data visualization tools and domain knowledge to help organizations make informed decisions, identify trends and solve business problems. Average annual salaries range from $48,000 to $91,000, with an average of $66,117.
“As our world becomes more complex, there is a need for people who can help us make sense of all the data. GIS is the perfect tool for doing this,” according to TheBalanceWork, adding that demand for geoinformatics professionals will continue to grow with the accelerating rate of GIS adoption.
Learn more about Millersville University’s online Master of Science in Integrated Scientific Applications – Geoinformatics program.
