Top 12 GIS Analyst Skills to Put on Your Resume

In today's competitive job market, showcasing the right set of skills is crucial for GIS Analysts aspiring to stand out. This article delves into the top 12 skills that are essential to highlight on your resume, ensuring you capture the attention of prospective employers and showcase your capability to excel in the field of Geographic Information Systems.

GIS Analyst Skills

1. ArcGIS
2. QGIS
3. Python
4. SQL
5. R
6. JavaScript
7. AutoCAD
8. Remote Sensing
9. CartoDB
10. PostgreSQL
11. ERDAS IMAGINE
12. FME

1. ArcGIS

ArcGIS is a comprehensive geographic information system (GIS) software developed by Esri, used for creating, managing, analyzing, and mapping spatial data, enabling GIS Analysts to visualize, interpret, and share geographic information for decision-making and problem-solving.

Why It's Important

ArcGIS is important for a GIS Analyst because it provides a comprehensive suite of tools for spatial analysis, data management, and visualization, enabling informed decision-making and effective problem-solving in a wide range of geographical and environmental contexts.

How to Improve ArcGIS Skills

Improving your proficiency with ArcGIS as a GIS Analyst involves a blend of enhancing technical skills, understanding advanced functionalities, and integrating complementary technologies. Here are concise strategies:

1. Advance Your Skills: Enroll in Esri Academy for courses ranging from beginner to advanced levels, focusing on areas like spatial analysis, data management, and Python scripting for automation.

2. Explore Python for ArcGIS: Dive into ArcPy and the ArcGIS API for Python to automate tasks and perform complex analyses.

3. Stay Updated: Regularly check What's new in ArcGIS Pro to leverage the latest features and improvements.

4. Join the Community: Engage with the ArcGIS Community for insights, solutions to specific issues, and networking with peers.

5. Utilize ArcGIS Online: Integrate ArcGIS Online capabilities for sharing data, maps, and apps within your organization or with a wider audience.

6. Incorporate Spatial Data Science: Explore the Esri Spatial Data Science path to harness machine learning and AI for predictive modeling and pattern detection.

7. Master Data Visualization: Improve visualization skills with ArcGIS StoryMaps for compelling storytelling and ArcGIS Dashboards for real-time data monitoring.

8. Certification: Consider obtaining Esri Technical Certification to validate your skills and stand out in the GIS field.

By focusing on these areas, you'll enhance your ArcGIS capabilities, making you a more effective and efficient GIS Analyst.

How to Display ArcGIS Skills on Your Resume

2. QGIS

QGIS (Quantum GIS) is an open-source Geographic Information System software used by GIS Analysts for spatial data analysis, visualization, and editing.

Why It's Important

QGIS is a crucial tool for GIS Analysts as it provides a powerful, open-source platform for spatial analysis, data visualization, and map creation, enabling them to effectively manage, analyze, and interpret geographic information to support decision-making processes.

How to Improve QGIS Skills

Improving your QGIS skills as a GIS Analyst involves a combination of expanding your technical toolkit, engaging with the QGIS community, and continuous learning. Here are concise strategies to enhance your proficiency:

1. Master QGIS Fundamentals: Ensure you have a solid understanding of the basics. The QGIS Tutorials and Tips by Ujaval Gandhi offers a comprehensive starting point.

2. Learn Python for QGIS: Automate tasks and develop custom tools with PyQGIS. Start with the PyQGIS Developer Cookbook.

3. Utilize Plugins: Explore and incorporate plugins to extend QGIS capabilities. The QGIS Plugins Repository is your go-to resource.

4. Participate in QGIS Forums and Groups: Engaging with the community can provide solutions to problems and introduce new techniques. The QGIS User Group on GIS Stack Exchange is a valuable resource.

5. Follow QGIS Blogs and Newsletters: Stay updated with the latest developments and tips through official channels like the QGIS Blog.

6. Enroll in Advanced Training Courses: Invest in advanced courses for in-depth knowledge. Websites like Udemy and Coursera often offer specialized QGIS courses.

7. Contribute to QGIS: Enhance your understanding by contributing to its development. The QGIS GitHub page is a good start for those interested in contributing code, documentation, or translations.

By integrating these strategies, you'll not only improve your QGIS skills but also contribute positively to your professional growth as a GIS Analyst.

How to Display QGIS Skills on Your Resume

3. Python

Python is a versatile programming language widely used for automating tasks, data analysis, and creating custom tools in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), enhancing spatial data manipulation and analysis capabilities for GIS analysts.

Why It's Important

Python is crucial for a GIS Analyst because it enables automation of geospatial data analysis, simplifies complex geoprocessing tasks, and enhances data visualization capabilities, significantly increasing efficiency and productivity in GIS projects.

How to Improve Python Skills

To improve your Python skills as a GIS Analyst, focus on the following concise strategies:

1. Learn Python Fundamentals: Start with the basics if you're not yet familiar. Use Python.org for comprehensive learning.

2. Understand Spatial Libraries: Dive into GIS-specific libraries like GeoPandas for geospatial data and Shapely for manipulation and analysis of geometric objects.

3. Master Data Visualization: Learn to visualize geospatial data with libraries like Matplotlib for basic plotting, and Folium for interactive maps.

4. Work with Real Data: Practice by working on projects with datasets from sources like Natural Earth or OpenStreetMap.

5. Utilize GIS Platforms: Integrate Python with GIS platforms. For ArcGIS users, explore ArcPy and for QGIS users, get familiar with the PyQGIS cookbook.

6. Join a Community: Engage with other GIS professionals through forums like GIS Stack Exchange and Reddit’s r/gis.

7. Continuous Practice: Consistently apply your skills to new projects and challenges. Participate in hackathons or contribute to open-source projects related to GIS.

By following these steps and actively engaging with the community and resources, you'll significantly improve your Python skills in a GIS context.

How to Display Python Skills on Your Resume

4. SQL

SQL (Structured Query Language) is a programming language used by GIS Analysts to manage, manipulate, and query spatial databases, enabling the extraction, analysis, and integration of geographic data.

Why It's Important

SQL is important for a GIS Analyst because it allows for efficient querying, manipulation, and analysis of spatial databases to extract meaningful geographic information and insights.

How to Improve SQL Skills

Improving your SQL skills as a GIS Analyst involves focusing on spatial SQL capabilities, optimization techniques, and understanding how to handle large datasets efficiently. Here's a concise guide to help you enhance your SQL skills in a GIS context:

1. Understand Spatial Functions: Dive into spatial functions specific to your GIS software (e.g., PostGIS for PostgreSQL, spatial functions in Oracle, or Microsoft SQL Server). Understanding functions like ST_Contains, ST_Intersects, and ST_Distance is crucial. PostGIS Documentation

2. Indexing: Learn about spatial indexing (e.g., R-tree indexes) to speed up query times for spatial queries. Proper indexing is essential for performance. PostgreSQL Indexes

3. Optimize Queries: Focus on writing efficient queries by selecting only the needed columns, using joins appropriately, and avoiding common pitfalls that lead to performance issues. SQL Optimization

4. GIS Software SQL Integration: Familiarize yourself with how your GIS software integrates SQL. For example, Esri's ArcGIS allows for SQL expressions in querying and analysis. ArcGIS SQL Reference

5. Spatial SQL Courses & Tutorials: Engage with online courses and tutorials specific to spatial SQL to see real-world applications and examples. LinkedIn Learning - SQL for Data Science

6. Practice: Apply your skills on real-world datasets. Websites like Kaggle offer numerous datasets to practice spatial SQL queries.

7. Join GIS and SQL Forums: Engage with communities on forums like GIS Stack Exchange and Stack Overflow for specific queries and learning from industry experts.

By focusing on these areas, you'll enhance your SQL skills pertinent to GIS analysis, leading to more efficient data manipulation and analysis within your projects.

How to Display SQL Skills on Your Resume

5. R

R is a programming language and software environment primarily used for statistical computing and graphics, widely utilized by GIS analysts for spatial data analysis, manipulation, and visualization.

Why It's Important

R is important for a GIS Analyst because it offers powerful tools for spatial data analysis, visualization, and modeling, enabling sophisticated geographical analyses and the automation of GIS processes.

How to Improve R Skills

To improve your R skills as a GIS Analyst, focus on mastering spatial data manipulation, analysis, and visualization. Here's a concise guide:

1. Learn the Basics: Strengthen your foundation in R programming. DataCamp’s R courses are a great starting point.

2. Understand Spatial Data Handling: Dive into handling spatial data with the sf (simple features) package. The sf vignettes offer comprehensive guides.

3. Explore R Spatial Libraries: Familiarize yourself with key packages like rgdal, rgeos, and sp for geospatial data processing. The CRAN Task View for Spatial Data lists essential spatial packages.

4. Enhance Visualization Skills: Master creating informative maps with ggplot2 and leaflet. The Geocomputation with R book is an excellent resource for learning spatial visualization.

5. Practice with Projects: Apply your skills in real-world projects. Websites like Kaggle offer geospatial datasets for practice.

6. Stay Updated: Follow R and GIS blogs, forums, and communities (e.g., R-bloggers, Stack Overflow), and attend webinars/workshops to stay informed about the latest tools and techniques.

7. Learn from Examples: Explore GitHub repositories and R package vignettes for practical examples and code snippets. Searching for repositories tagged with GIS and R on GitHub can provide useful resources.

By focusing on these areas and continually practicing with real-world data, you'll significantly improve your R skills as a GIS Analyst.

How to Display R Skills on Your Resume

6. JavaScript

JavaScript is a programming language used to create interactive and dynamic web content, including maps and spatial analysis tools in GIS applications.

Why It's Important

JavaScript is crucial for a GIS Analyst because it enables the creation and manipulation of dynamic, interactive maps and spatial data visualizations on web platforms, enhancing user engagement and decision-making processes.

How to Improve JavaScript Skills

Improving JavaScript skills, especially for a GIS Analyst, involves focusing on specific areas that enhance both your programming capabilities and your GIS project outcomes. Here's a concise guide:

1. Learn the Basics Well: Ensure you have a solid understanding of JavaScript fundamentals. Mozilla Developer Network (MDN) is a great resource.

2. Understand GIS Libraries: Get comfortable with GIS JavaScript libraries like Leaflet for interactive maps and OpenLayers for rich mapping applications.

3. Asynchronous Programming: Master asynchronous programming concepts such as Promises and async/await for handling data loading and processing. JavaScript.info provides clear explanations and examples.

4. Debugging Skills: Improve your debugging skills. Tools like Chrome DevTools are invaluable. Google Developers has tutorials.

5. Code Organization: Learn about modules and components to organize your code better. This is crucial for maintaining large GIS applications. ES6 Modules in MDN is a good starting point.

6. Performance Optimization: Understand how to optimize your JavaScript for better performance, essential for data-heavy GIS applications. Google Web Fundamentals provides insights.

7. Stay Updated: JavaScript and GIS technologies evolve rapidly. Follow blogs and communities like GIS Stack Exchange and GeoNet Community to stay updated with new tools and techniques.

Focusing on these areas will significantly improve your JavaScript skills, making you more effective in developing GIS applications.

How to Display JavaScript Skills on Your Resume

7. AutoCAD

AutoCAD is a computer-aided design (CAD) software used for creating precise 2D and 3D drawings, essential for GIS Analysts in mapping, spatial analysis, and the visualization of geographical information.

Why It's Important

AutoCAD is crucial for GIS Analysts as it provides precise drafting and modeling tools, enabling the creation and editing of detailed geographic maps and infrastructure plans, enhancing data visualization, and facilitating accurate spatial analysis.

How to Improve AutoCAD Skills

Improving AutoCAD for a GIS Analyst can be achieved by focusing on enhanced data integration, customization, and automation. Here’s a concise guide:

1. Integrate GIS Data Efficiently: Use the built-in Map 3D toolset to access spatial data directly. This improves how you visualize and analyze geospatial information. Autodesk offers a helpful guide on using GIS data with AutoCAD.

2. Customize for Geospatial Analysis: Tailor AutoCAD using AutoLISP to create custom functions that are specific to GIS analysis. Autodesk’s documentation provides insights on getting started with AutoLISP.

3. Automate Repetitive Tasks: Use AutoCAD scripts or Action Macros to automate common tasks like importing/exporting data, thus saving time. Learn more about creating and running scripts in AutoCAD through Autodesk’s tutorial on scripting.

4. Enhance Visualization with Plugins: Explore AutoCAD’s Application Store for GIS-related plugins that can enhance mapping and spatial analysis. Visit the Autodesk App Store for AutoCAD.

5. Stay Updated with Training: Continuously improve your AutoCAD and GIS skills through courses and certifications. Autodesk’s Learning and Training section offers various resources.

By focusing on these areas, a GIS Analyst can significantly enhance their proficiency and productivity with AutoCAD.

How to Display AutoCAD Skills on Your Resume

8. Remote Sensing

Remote sensing is the process of gathering data about objects or areas from a distance, typically using satellites or aircraft, to analyze and create geographic information systems (GIS) applications.

Why It's Important

Remote sensing is crucial for a GIS Analyst as it provides comprehensive, up-to-date spatial data across large areas, enabling precise mapping, analysis, and monitoring of environmental changes, land use patterns, and resources management, thereby enhancing decision-making and planning processes.

How to Improve Remote Sensing Skills

Improving remote sensing, especially for a GIS Analyst, involves enhancing data acquisition, processing, analysis, and interpretation skills. Below are concise strategies to achieve this:

1. Stay Updated with Technology: Follow advancements in remote sensing technologies and tools. Regularly visit platforms like Esri’s ArcGIS Blog and The American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) for the latest trends and tools.

2. Enhance Data Processing Skills: Master GIS software for advanced data processing. Tutorials and courses from QGIS and ArcGIS can refine your skills.

3. Learn Programming: Acquire programming skills to automate tasks and manipulate data efficiently. Python is particularly useful, with resources available at Automate the Boring Stuff with Python and SciPy.

4. Understand Satellite Imagery: Deepen your knowledge of satellite imagery and its applications. NASA’s Remote Sensing Toolkit offers valuable resources and data.

5. Participate in Online Courses and Webinars: Engage in MOOCs and webinars from platforms such as Coursera and edX, which offer courses related to remote sensing and GIS.

6. Networking: Join professional networks and forums like GeoNet by Esri and Stack Exchange’s GIS section to exchange knowledge and experiences.

7. Practical Experience: Apply your skills in real-world projects. Participate in open-source projects or offer your expertise in platforms like GitHub for visibility and experience.

Improving in remote sensing is a continuous process of learning and applying new technologies and methodologies. Stay curious and proactive in exploring new data sources, tools, and techniques.

How to Display Remote Sensing Skills on Your Resume

9. CartoDB

CartoDB, now known simply as CARTO, is a cloud-based platform offering GIS and web mapping tools for displaying, analyzing, and sharing spatial data in dynamic, interactive maps, designed to empower GIS Analysts with powerful visualization and data analysis capabilities.

Why It's Important

CartoDB, now known as CARTO, is important for a GIS Analyst because it offers a powerful cloud-based GIS and web mapping tool for storing, analyzing, and visualizing spatial data. This enables GIS Analysts to easily share their insights and interactive maps with a wide audience, enhancing decision-making and communication in various fields such as urban planning, environmental management, and marketing analysis.

How to Improve CartoDB Skills

To enhance CartoDB (now CARTO) as a GIS Analyst, focus on leveraging advanced SQL and PostGIS capabilities for sophisticated spatial analysis, integrating external datasets for richer context, and utilizing CARTO's custom visualization options for clearer insights. Enhance your projects by:

1. Mastering SQL and PostGIS: Deepen your understanding of SQL and PostGIS to perform complex spatial queries that can drive more detailed and nuanced analysis. CARTO's SQL and PostGIS guide provides a solid foundation.

2. Data Integration: Enrich your analyses by incorporating external data sources. Use CARTO's Data Observatory or import data from reputable sources such as NOAA for environmental data or US Census Bureau for demographic data. CARTO's data observatory can be a starting point.

3. Advanced Visualization: Push beyond basic visualizations by exploring CARTO's advanced options, including animated maps and custom basemaps. Utilize CARTO's visualization tools to make your data more accessible and engaging.

4. Utilize CARTO Builder for Advanced Analysis: CARTO Builder offers drag-and-drop analysis modules that can significantly speed up your workflow. Familiarize yourself with its capabilities to streamline your analysis process. Explore CARTO Builder for more details.

5. Stay Updated and Connected: GIS technology and CARTO's platform evolve rapidly. Stay informed about the latest features and best practices by following the CARTO blog and participating in CARTO forums.

By focusing on these areas, you can leverage CARTO's full potential to create more impactful spatial analyses and visualizations.

How to Display CartoDB Skills on Your Resume

10. PostgreSQL

PostgreSQL is a powerful, open-source relational database system that includes support for advanced spatial data management and analysis through its PostGIS extension, making it highly suitable for GIS (Geographic Information Systems) applications.

Why It's Important

PostgreSQL, equipped with its spatial database extender PostGIS, is crucial for GIS Analysts as it allows for efficient storage, query, and management of geospatial data, enabling complex spatial analyses and operations directly within the database.

How to Improve PostgreSQL Skills

Improving PostgreSQL performance, especially for a GIS Analyst, involves tuning both the database and queries to handle spatial data efficiently. Here are concise strategies:

1. Indexing: Utilize GiST (Generalized Search Tree) indexes for spatial data to speed up queries. PostGIS documentation provides detailed guidance.

2. Partitioning: Implement table partitioning to manage large datasets more efficiently. This can improve query performance by limiting the number of rows to scan. Table Partitioning in PostgreSQL offers insights.

3. Configuration Tuning: Adjust PostgreSQL configuration settings like work_mem, shared_buffers, and maintenance_work_mem to optimize resource usage. PostgreSQL Configuration for GIS provides a starting point.

4. Query Optimization: Write efficient queries by using appropriate spatial functions and operators, and by avoiding unnecessary data processing. PostGIS Performance Tips outlines strategies for optimizing spatial queries.

5. Vacuum and Analyze: Regularly vacuum (to reclaim storage and defragment) and analyze (to update statistics for the query planner) your database. Routine Vacuuming explains the importance and implementation.

6. Use Connection Pooling: Implement connection pooling to reduce the overhead of establishing connections to the database, thus improving overall performance. PgBouncer is a popular option.

7. Hardware Optimization: Ensure your server has adequate RAM and fast storage (SSD preferred) to support your database workload. Also, consider the network bandwidth if you're accessing the database over a network.

8. Keep PostgreSQL and PostGIS Updated: Stay updated with the latest versions of PostgreSQL and PostGIS, as improvements and optimizations are regularly introduced. PostgreSQL Downloads and PostGIS Installation can guide you.

By combining these strategies, you can significantly improve the performance of PostgreSQL for GIS applications.

How to Display PostgreSQL Skills on Your Resume

11. ERDAS IMAGINE

ERDAS IMAGINE is a powerful remote sensing and image analysis software used by GIS analysts for processing and analyzing geographic information and satellite imagery. It supports various geospatial operations, including image classification, enhancement, and feature extraction, facilitating the extraction of meaningful information for mapping, environmental monitoring, and spatial analysis tasks.

Why It's Important

ERDAS IMAGINE is important for a GIS Analyst because it provides advanced remote sensing and image analysis tools, enabling the extraction of accurate and detailed geographical information from satellite imagery and aerial photographs, thus enhancing spatial analysis and decision-making processes in various GIS applications.

How to Improve ERDAS IMAGINE Skills

Improving your skills in ERDAS IMAGINE, a powerful remote sensing application, involves a combination of understanding its tools, practicing real-world scenarios, and learning from the community. Here’s a concise guide:

1. Understand the Basics: Begin with the fundamentals of ERDAS IMAGINE by exploring its interface, main functionalities, and how it processes satellite imagery and vector data. The official ERDAS IMAGINE documentation is a great starting point.

2. Follow Tutorials: Engage in step-by-step tutorials to gain hands-on experience. Hexagon Geospatial offers training materials that cover various aspects of the software.

3. Utilize Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning often have courses on remote sensing and specific training for ERDAS IMAGINE. Though courses update frequently, searching for "ERDAS IMAGINE" on these sites will yield current results.

4. Join Forums and User Communities: Engaging with other GIS professionals and ERDAS IMAGINE users can provide insights and solutions to common challenges. The Hexagon Geospatial Community forum is a good place to start.

5. Practice with Real Data: Apply what you've learned by working on projects that interest you. Many government and scientific institutions offer free satellite imagery, such as USGS Earth Explorer or ESA’s Sentinel Hub.

6. Stay Updated: Finally, the field of remote sensing and GIS is always evolving. Keep abreast of the latest updates to ERDAS IMAGINE and industry trends through newsletters, webinars, and conferences.

By combining these resources, you can significantly improve your proficiency in ERDAS IMAGINE, enhancing your capabilities as a GIS Analyst.

How to Display ERDAS IMAGINE Skills on Your Resume

12. FME

FME (Feature Manipulation Engine) is a powerful data integration platform that allows GIS Analysts to efficiently transform, translate, and automate the processing of spatial data across various formats and systems without programming.

Why It's Important

FME (Feature Manipulation Engine) is important for a GIS Analyst because it provides powerful tools for efficiently translating, transforming, and integrating spatial data across different formats and platforms, enabling more effective data analysis, visualization, and decision-making.

How to Improve FME Skills

Improving your skills in FME (Feature Manipulation Engine) as a GIS Analyst involves a combination of learning best practices, applying advanced techniques, and staying updated with the latest features. Here’s a concise guide to enhancing your FME proficiency:

1. Master the Basics: Ensure you have a strong foundation by fully understanding the core concepts and functionalities of FME Workbench and FME Server. The FME Documentation is a great starting point.

2. Online Training and Webinars: Utilize free FME Training Courses and webinars offered by Safe Software. These resources are tailored to different skill levels and applications.

3. Explore FME Hub: Dive into the FME Hub to discover custom transformers, templates, and functions shared by the community. This can both inspire new solutions and save time.

4. Practice Advanced Techniques: Challenge yourself with more complex data integration tasks, such as automating workflows with FME Server or creating custom transformers. Applying these skills to real-world scenarios will deepen your understanding.

5. Participate in Forums: Engage with the FME community through forums like the FME Community. Asking questions, sharing solutions, and learning from others’ experiences are great ways to gain insights.

6. Stay Updated: FME is continuously updated. Keep track of new features and improvements through the What's Great in FME page. Experimenting with new functionalities can offer more efficient approaches to your tasks.

7. Apply Best Practices: Emphasize organizing and documenting your workspaces. This not only makes your projects more manageable but also facilitates collaboration. The Best Practices section in the FME documentation offers valuable guidelines.

By following these steps and actively seeking out new challenges and learning opportunities, you’ll be able to significantly improve your FME skills and contribute more effectively to your GIS projects.

How to Display FME Skills on Your Resume