Top 12 GIS Manager Skills to Put on Your Resume

In the rapidly evolving field of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), standing out as a GIS Manager requires a unique set of technical and managerial skills that demonstrate your ability to lead projects and leverage spatial data effectively. Crafting your resume with these crucial skills not only highlights your expertise but also positions you as a prime candidate for leading GIS projects in any organization.

GIS Manager Skills

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

1. ArcGIS

ArcGIS is an advanced geographic information system (GIS) platform used for creating, managing, analyzing, and sharing spatial data and maps, facilitating decision-making and operational efficiency for GIS managers.

Why It's Important

ArcGIS is crucial for a GIS Manager as it provides a comprehensive and integrated platform for spatial analysis, data management, and mapping, enabling informed decision-making and efficient resource allocation.

How to Improve ArcGIS Skills

Improving ArcGIS for a GIS Manager entails focusing on efficiency, data management, team collaboration, and skill enhancement. Here are concise strategies:

1. Leverage ArcGIS Pro: Transition fully to ArcGIS Pro for its advanced analysis, visualization, and project management features.

2. Utilize ArcGIS Online: Embrace ArcGIS Online for cloud-based GIS that facilitates collaboration, sharing, and real-time data analysis.

3. Automate Tasks: Implement ArcGIS Python API for automation, improving efficiency in repetitive tasks and data management.

4. Data Management: Adopt ArcGIS Data Reviewer to automate data validation, ensuring data quality and integrity.

5. Training and Development: Encourage team skill growth through Esri Academy for the latest GIS technologies and methodologies.

6. Integrate Systems: Leverage ArcGIS Enterprise for a secure, scalable GIS infrastructure that supports integration with other business systems.

7. Feedback and Adaptation: Regularly seek feedback from users and stakeholders to adapt GIS strategies and tools to meet evolving needs.

By focusing on these areas, a GIS Manager can significantly improve the effectiveness and efficiency of their organization's ArcGIS environment.

How to Display ArcGIS Skills on Your Resume

2. QGIS

QGIS is an open-source Geographic Information System (GIS) software that allows for the analysis, visual representation, and management of spatial data, supporting various vector, raster, and database formats.

Why It's Important

QGIS is important for a GIS Manager because it offers a powerful, open-source, and cost-effective tool for comprehensive spatial data analysis, visualization, and management, enabling the integration and manipulation of diverse geospatial datasets for informed decision-making.

How to Improve QGIS Skills

To improve QGIS, a GIS Manager should focus on a few key strategies:

1. Stay Updated: Regularly update QGIS to access the latest features and bug fixes. QGIS Downloads

2. Enhance Your Skills: Participate in training and workshops. QGIS Training Materials

3. Customize QGIS: Use plugins to tailor QGIS to your needs. Explore the QGIS Plugins Repository.

4. Utilize QGIS Support: Engage with the QGIS community for support and to share ideas. QGIS Community Forums

5. Contribute to QGIS: Enhance QGIS by contributing code, documentation, or financial support. QGIS Contributions

6. Optimize Data Management: Implement efficient data management practices to ensure data integrity and performance. GIS Data Management Best Practices

7. Leverage Cloud Services: Explore cloud services for GIS data storage and processing to enhance collaboration and scalability. QGIS Cloud

8. Incorporate Automation: Automate repetitive tasks with the QGIS Python API for improved efficiency. QGIS Python API

By focusing on these areas, a GIS Manager can significantly improve the efficiency and capabilities of QGIS within their organization.

How to Display QGIS Skills on Your Resume

3. Python

Python is a versatile, high-level programming language widely used in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for automating tasks, analyzing spatial data, and integrating GIS workflows.

Why It's Important

Python is important for a GIS Manager because it enables automation of spatial data analysis, manipulation, and visualization tasks, enhancing efficiency and enabling sophisticated geospatial data processing and decision-making.

How to Improve Python Skills

To improve your Python skills as a GIS Manager, focus on mastering libraries directly relevant to geospatial analysis and management. Here's a concise guide:

1. Learn Core Python: Ensure a solid understanding of Python basics. The official Python tutorial is a great start.

2. Master Geospatial Libraries:

   • GeoPandas for advanced vector data manipulation.
   • Rasterio for raster data operations.
   • Shapely for manipulation and analysis of geometric objects.
   • Fiona for reading and writing spatial data files.

3. Understand Spatial Databases:

   • Learn to interact with spatial databases like PostGIS. The PostGIS tutorial is highly recommended.

4. Practice with Projects: Apply your skills on real-world GIS projects. Websites like GitHub offer a plethora of open-source projects for collaboration and learning.

5. Stay Updated and Network:

   • Follow GIS-focused Python blogs and forums.
   • Join communities like GIS Stack Exchange and r/gis on Reddit for the latest trends and discussions.

6. Continuous Learning:

   • Enroll in specialized courses on platforms like Coursera and Udemy, focusing on Python for GIS.

By focusing on these areas and engaging with the community, you'll significantly enhance your Python skills in the context of GIS management.

How to Display Python Skills on Your Resume

4. SQL

SQL (Structured Query Language) is a standard programming language used to manage, manipulate, and query databases, enabling a GIS Manager to efficiently handle spatial and non-spatial data within a geographic database system.

Why It's Important

SQL is crucial for a GIS Manager as it enables efficient querying, manipulation, and analysis of spatial databases, facilitating data-driven decision-making and map creation.

How to Improve SQL Skills

Improving SQL skills, especially for a GIS Manager, involves understanding both the basic and advanced functionalities of SQL in the context of managing geographical data. Here are concise steps and resources to help you enhance your SQL capabilities:

1. Master the Basics: Ensure you have a solid understanding of SQL fundamentals such as SELECT statements, WHERE clauses, JOINs, and GROUP BY operations. W3Schools SQL Tutorial is a great starting point.

2. Understand Spatial SQL: Dive into spatial SQL functions that are essential for GIS data manipulation and analysis. Functions include ST_Contains, ST_Intersects, and ST_Distance. The PostGIS Documentation provides an excellent overview of spatial functions for PostgreSQL.

3. Practice Query Optimization: Learn how to write efficient SQL queries to handle large datasets commonly found in GIS applications. This includes understanding indexes, execution plans, and query refactoring. Use The Index, Luke offers insights into database indexing and SQL optimization.

4. Explore Advanced SQL Concepts: Familiarize yourself with window functions, CTEs (Common Table Expressions), and dynamic SQL for more advanced data analysis and manipulation. The SQLZOO tutorial covers a range of topics including advanced SQL.

5. Apply SQL in GIS Tools: Practice applying your SQL knowledge within GIS software. Many GIS platforms support SQL queries for data analysis and management. For instance, ArcGIS SQL Reference provides a guide to using SQL within the ArcGIS environment.

6. Join Online Forums and Communities: Engage with other GIS professionals and SQL experts. Websites like Stack Overflow and GIS Stack Exchange are valuable resources for getting help with specific queries or challenges.

7. Continuous Practice and Real-World Application: Apply what you've learned in real-world scenarios. Working on projects or challenges that require database management and data analysis will significantly improve your SQL skills over time.

By following these steps and utilizing the linked resources, you can significantly improve your SQL skills, thereby enhancing your effectiveness and efficiency as a GIS Manager.

How to Display SQL Skills on Your Resume

5. JavaScript

JavaScript is a programming language used to create interactive and dynamic web content, including maps and geographic information systems (GIS) functionalities on web platforms.

Why It's Important

JavaScript is crucial for a GIS Manager because it enables the development of interactive and dynamic web-based GIS applications, enhancing user experience and data visualization capabilities.

How to Improve JavaScript Skills

To enhance your JavaScript skills as a GIS Manager, focus on the following steps:

1. Learn the Fundamentals: Solidify your understanding of JavaScript basics. Mozilla Developer Network (MDN) offers comprehensive tutorials and documentation.

2. Understand GIS JavaScript Libraries: Focus on libraries like Leaflet for mapping and OpenLayers for more advanced geospatial solutions.

3. Explore ES6 and Beyond: Familiarize yourself with modern JavaScript features for cleaner code. Resources like ECMAScript 6 Features are helpful.

4. Practice Coding: Implement what you've learned in real projects. Websites like CodePen or JSFiddle offer platforms to test and share your code.

5. Join GIS and JavaScript Communities: Engage with others in forums like Stack Overflow or GIS Stack Exchange to learn and get support.

6. Stay Updated: JavaScript and GIS technologies evolve rapidly. Follow blogs and news on sites like JavaScript Weekly and GeoNet by Esri.

By concentrating on these areas, you can effectively improve your JavaScript skills in a GIS context.

How to Display JavaScript Skills on Your Resume

6. Remote Sensing

Remote sensing is the acquisition of information about an object or phenomenon without making physical contact with it, typically through satellite or aerial sensor technologies, and is integral in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for collecting, analyzing, and managing spatial and geographical data.

Why It's Important

Remote Sensing is crucial for a GIS Manager as it provides timely, accurate, and detailed spatial data from a distance, enabling efficient mapping, monitoring, and analysis of natural and built environments for informed decision-making and resource management.

How to Improve Remote Sensing Skills

Improving Remote Sensing involves enhancing data accuracy, resolution, and analysis techniques. As a GIS Manager, focus on:

1. Data Quality Enhancement:

   • Utilize higher resolution imagery and multispectral data for detailed analysis. USGS Earth Explorer and ESA Sentinel Online are excellent sources for high-quality data.

2. Advanced Analytical Tools:

   • Incorporate machine learning and AI algorithms to automate feature detection and change analysis. Tools like Google Earth Engine offer powerful platforms for large-scale analysis.

3. Integration of Diverse Data Sources:

   • Combine traditional remote sensing data with UAV imagery, social media feeds, and IoT sensor data for comprehensive insights. Tools like ArcGIS Online facilitate easy integration and visualization.

4. Professional Development:

   • Stay updated with the latest advancements in remote sensing technologies and methodologies through continuous learning. Platforms like Coursera and edX offer courses related to remote sensing and GIS.

5. Collaboration and Sharing:

   • Engage with the remote sensing community through forums and platforms such as GIS Stack Exchange and The Remote Sensing and Geospatial Sciences Forum to exchange knowledge and best practices.

By focusing on these areas, you can significantly improve the remote sensing capabilities within your GIS operations.

How to Display Remote Sensing Skills on Your Resume

7. AutoCAD

AutoCAD is a computer-aided design (CAD) software used for creating precise 2D and 3D drawings and models, essential for GIS managers in mapping, planning, and spatial analysis.

Why It's Important

AutoCAD is crucial for a GIS Manager because it facilitates precise creation and editing of detailed map elements and infrastructure designs, ensuring accurate spatial data integration and analysis within GIS projects.

How to Improve AutoCAD Skills

To improve AutoCAD for a GIS Manager, focus on enhancing data interoperability, customization for spatial analysis, and streamlining workflows:

1. Leverage Data Interoperability: Use AutoCAD Map 3D to better integrate GIS data with CAD for more efficient data management and analysis.

2. Customization for Spatial Analysis: Utilize AutoLISP for automating repetitive tasks and customizing functions specific to GIS needs, improving efficiency.

3. Optimize Workflows: Implement Data Connect to seamlessly access and manage spatial data from various sources, ensuring smoother workflows.

Focusing on these areas can significantly enhance the functionality of AutoCAD for GIS applications, making it a more powerful tool for spatial data management and analysis.

How to Display AutoCAD Skills on Your Resume

8. PostgreSQL/PostGIS

PostgreSQL is an advanced, open-source relational database system known for its robustness, flexibility, and performance. PostGIS is an extension to PostgreSQL that adds support for geographic objects, enabling it to store spatial data and perform advanced geographic information systems (GIS) operations. Together, they provide a powerful platform for managing, querying, and analyzing spatial data, making them an essential tool for GIS Managers.

Why It's Important

PostgreSQL/PostGIS is important for a GIS Manager because it provides a powerful, open-source database system with advanced GIS data management and analysis capabilities, enabling efficient storage, querying, and manipulation of spatial data essential for informed decision-making and spatial data infrastructure management.

How to Improve PostgreSQL/PostGIS Skills

Improving PostgreSQL/PostGIS performance involves several strategies tailored to enhance efficiency, reliability, and speed in handling geospatial data. Here are concise recommendations for a GIS Manager:

1. Indexing: Utilize GIST (Generalized Search Tree) indexes for spatial data to speed up spatial queries. Creating Indexes

2. Partitioning: Implement table partitioning to manage large datasets more efficiently by dividing them into smaller, more manageable pieces. Table Partitioning

3. Query Optimization: Write efficient queries by using appropriate functions and operators, and ensure that you are only fetching the data you need. Query Performance

4. Configuration Tuning: Adjust PostgreSQL configuration settings such as work_mem, shared_buffers, and maintenance_work_mem to better utilize your server's resources. Configuration

5. Connection Pooling: Use connection pooling to reduce the overhead of establishing connections to the database, especially in environments with a high number of concurrent connections. Connection Pooling

6. Update Statistics: Regularly update database statistics with the VACUUM and ANALYZE commands to ensure the query planner has accurate information for optimizing queries. Routine Maintenance

7. Use PostGIS Functions: Leverage PostGIS-specific functions for spatial analysis to ensure operations are performed efficiently within the database. PostGIS Functions

8. Monitor and Analyze: Regularly monitor your database's performance using tools such as pg_stat_statements and EXPLAIN ANALYZE to identify and address bottlenecks. Monitoring Tools

9. Upgrade Regularly: Ensure your PostgreSQL/PostGIS installation is up to date to benefit from performance improvements, bug fixes, and new features. Upgrading

10. Professional Training and Support: Consider professional training for your team and/or enterprise support plans to ensure best practices are followed and to receive expert assistance when needed. Training

Implementing these strategies requires a detailed understanding of your specific use case and environment. Regular review and adaptation of these practices will help in maintaining an optimized PostgreSQL/PostGIS setup.

How to Display PostgreSQL/PostGIS Skills on Your Resume

9. R

R is a programming language and software environment used for statistical computing and graphics, widely applied in data analysis, visualization, and spatial data manipulation, making it a valuable tool for GIS Managers.

Why It's Important

R is important for a GIS Manager because it offers advanced statistical and spatial analysis capabilities, enabling the efficient processing, visualization, and interpretation of complex geographical data.

How to Improve R Skills

Improving your R skills, particularly for a GIS Manager, involves a combination of learning new packages, practicing coding, and staying updated with the R community. Here's a concise guide:

1. Learn Spatial Packages: Dive into R packages like sf (Simple Features for R), raster (Raster Package), and sp (Classes and Methods for Spatial Data) that are specifically designed for managing and analyzing geospatial data.

2. Practice with Projects: Apply what you learn in real-world GIS projects. Websites like R-bloggers often share tutorials and project ideas that are beneficial.

3. Online Courses: Take advantage of free or paid online courses tailored to R for GIS. Coursera and Udemy offer courses that cater to different levels of expertise.

4. Join R GIS Communities: Engage with communities on platforms like GIS Stack Exchange and Reddit’s r/gis. They can be great resources for advice, tips, and keeping up with trends.

5. Read Books and Blogs: Keep up with the literature. Books like "Geocomputation with R" (Geocomputation with R) are excellent resources. Also, follow blogs dedicated to R and GIS for tips and tricks.

6. Use R Markdown for Documentation: R Markdown (R Markdown) is a powerful tool for documenting your code, analysis, and results, making your work reproducible and easier to share with others.

7. Stay Updated: Follow CRAN Task Views for updates on new and existing packages for spatial data.

By focusing on these areas, you'll be able to significantly improve your R skills in the context of GIS management.

How to Display R Skills on Your Resume

10. FME

FME (Feature Manipulation Engine) is a data integration platform that allows GIS Managers to efficiently transform, automate, and transfer spatial data between different formats and systems without coding, enhancing interoperability and data usability in GIS workflows.

Why It's Important

FME (Feature Manipulation Engine) is crucial for a GIS Manager as it streamlines the integration, transformation, and automation of spatial data workflows, enhancing efficiency, data quality, and interoperability across diverse GIS platforms and formats.

How to Improve FME Skills

To improve your use of FME (Feature Manipulation Engine) as a GIS Manager, focus on the following concise strategies:

1. Training and Certification: Invest in official FME training and certification programs to enhance your team's skills and understanding of FME capabilities.

2. Automation: Utilize FME Server or FME Cloud to automate repetitive data processing tasks, saving time and reducing errors. Learn more about FME Server and FME Cloud.

3. Community Engagement: Join the FME Community to share knowledge, get support, and access a vast library of templates and examples.

4. Data Model Optimization: Review and optimize your data models to ensure they are efficient and scalable for FME processes.

5. Performance Tuning: Apply performance tuning techniques, such as parallel processing and feature caching, to improve the speed and efficiency of your FME workflows. Explore the FME Knowledge Base for tips.

6. Up-to-date Software: Keep your FME software up to date to take advantage of the latest features and improvements. Check out the latest from FME What’s Great.

7. Quality Control: Implement quality control and error handling in your FME workflows to ensure data integrity.

8. Collaboration: Encourage collaboration among your team members to share best practices and innovative solutions in FME usage.

By focusing on these areas, you can significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of your FME operations within your GIS projects.

How to Display FME Skills on Your Resume

11. CartoDB

CartoDB, now known as CARTO, is a cloud-based GIS and web mapping platform that allows GIS Managers to store, analyze, and visualize spatial data online for making data-driven decisions and creating interactive maps.

Why It's Important

CartoDB, now known as CARTO, is important for a GIS Manager because it provides a powerful, user-friendly cloud-based platform for visualizing, analyzing, and sharing geospatial data. It enables GIS Managers to effortlessly create interactive maps and gain insights from location data, thereby enhancing decision-making and communication within and beyond their organizations.

How to Improve CartoDB Skills

Improving CartoDB (now known as CARTO) for a GIS Manager involves enhancing data visualization, analysis capabilities, and collaboration. Here’s a concise guide:

1. Optimize Data Management: Ensure data is clean and structured. Use CARTO's Data Observatory for access to enriched datasets.

2. Leverage SQL and PostGIS: Enhance data analysis by using SQL and PostGIS for spatial queries and advanced geoprocessing.

3. Customize Visualizations: Utilize CARTO's Builder and CARTOframes for Python to create tailored and insightful maps.

4. Automate Workflows: Implement CARTO's APIs to automate data updates, analysis, and map generation.

5. Enhance Performance: Ensure your datasets are indexed properly and use vector tiles for faster map rendering.

6. Collaboration and Sharing: Take advantage of CARTO's sharing and collaboration features to streamline projects across teams. Check their collaboration tools.

7. Stay Updated and Train: Keep up with CARTO's latest features and updates. Encourage team training through CARTO's documentation and webinars.

8. Security and Privacy: Follow best practices for data security and privacy. Utilize CARTO's Enterprise offerings for advanced security features.

By focusing on these areas, a GIS Manager can significantly improve the functionality and efficiency of CARTO within their organization.

How to Display CartoDB Skills on Your Resume

12. Leaflet

Leaflet is an open-source, lightweight JavaScript library used for building interactive maps and geospatial web applications, offering features like markers, tiles, and popups while supporting a wide range of mapping providers.

Why It's Important

Leaflet is important because it provides a lightweight, flexible, and mobile-responsive solution for embedding interactive maps into web applications, enabling GIS Managers to easily manage and display geospatial data for decision-making and communication.

How to Improve Leaflet Skills

Improving your Leaflet skills as a GIS Manager involves enhancing the functionality, performance, and user experience of your Leaflet-based maps. Here are concise recommendations:

1. Leverage Plugins: Expand Leaflet's capabilities by incorporating plugins. Select those that align with your project requirements, such as Leaflet.draw for drawing shapes or Leaflet.markercluster for handling large numbers of markers efficiently.

2. Optimize Performance: For handling large datasets, consider using Leaflet.vectorgrid to render vector data efficiently or Leaflet-realtime to display dynamic data smoothly.

3. Improve Map Interactivity: Enhance user interaction by using Leaflet.GestureHandling for intuitive map gestures, especially on mobile devices, and Leaflet Control Search for easy-to-use search functionality.

4. Utilize Advanced Mapping Techniques: Implement advanced GIS functionalities like heatmaps with Leaflet.heat, or integrate 3D mapping capabilities with Leaflet-3D for a more immersive map experience.

5. Stay Updated and Participate in the Community: Keep abreast of the latest developments in Leaflet and participate in forums such as GIS Stack Exchange and the Leaflet GitHub repository. Sharing experiences and seeking advice can provide new insights and solutions.

6. Enhance Accessibility: Ensure your maps are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. Implement best practices such as keyboard navigation and screen reader support. Resources like WebAIM offer guidelines for creating accessible maps.

By focusing on these areas, you can significantly enhance the quality and functionality of your Leaflet maps, providing a better experience for your users and leveraging the full potential of this powerful mapping library.

How to Display Leaflet Skills on Your Resume