Geospatial Analytics Specialists

High School

You will need a strong background in computer science (including programming, computer graphics, and database management), science (chemistry, physics, biology), mathematics (algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus), geography, and social studies, so take as many of these classes in these fields as your school offers. Additionally, take English, speech, writing, and foreign language courses to help develop your research, writing, and oral communication skills.

Postsecondary Education

For most positions, you will need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in geographic information systems, cartography, or another geospatial-related field. More than 800 colleges and universities offer classes, certificates, and degrees in geographic information science. Visit the University Consortium for Geographic Information Science’s Web site, http://ucgis.org/site/members, for a list of member schools. Some employers hire GASs with only an associate’s degree, but also require them to have considerable experience in lower-level analytics positions.

Some colleges are beginning to offer degrees in geospatial analytics. For example, Delta State University offers a bachelor of applied science in geospatial analysis and intelligence. Classes in this program (which is accredited by the United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation) include:

• Advanced Remote Sensing
• Geospatial Math, Algorithms, & Statistics
• Geospatial Practicum
• Geospatial Project Planning
• Internet, GIS, & Spatial Databases
• Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
• Introduction to Remote Sensing
• Programming GIS
• Techniques in Intelligence Analysis
• Topographic Mapping
• Trends in Spatial Technologies

Certification

Many colleges and universities offer undergraduate- and graduate-level certificates in GIS, cartography, geospatial intelligence, and related fields. The United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation accredits certificate and degree programs in geospatial intelligence. Visit https://usgif.org/education for a list of accredited programs.

Other Education or Training

In-person classes and workshops, as well as webinars, are offered by professional associations such as the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, Association of American Geographers, Geospatial Information & Technology Association, MAPPS, United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation, and Urban and Regional Information Systems Association. Contact these organizations for more information.