Geographic information systems can be said as the combination of making maps and database technologies. This system is used for storing, analyzing and managing the location based data or information. The system uses the mapping software with various other techniques like remote sensing, aerial photography, ground truth data and surveying.

The commercial sectors are in high requirement for the GIS technology nowadays and the private sectors use this technology for various applications like

• Real estate maps
• Engineering maps
• Navigation systems
• Technician pharmacy data or data used in medical jobs

The use of this GIS has spread widely in many industries and the demand for skilled GIS professionals also increased gradually. These professionals need very high technical aptitude ability and analyzing mind.

Qualifying Exam

To become a GIS professional, one needs to satisfy some educational qualification criterion. Usually a basic qualification of bachelor’s degree in related subjects is required. The best course for this will be a 4 year bachelor’s degree in geology or geography or cartography. This will help the interested aspirants to get an exposure in the GIS field. Usually the companies intakes GIS professionals whose have an experience in this field.

Who is eligible to apply?

All candidates who have the keen interest in this field can become a successful GIS professional. To apply for the bachelor’s degree in related subjects the candidate must have pursued the senior secondary examinations with good academic scores. That should be obtained from any reputed institutions. Various universities in the country offer undergraduate degree in geography or cartography. Post graduation in this field will help them to acquire high designation jobs in this field.

Key points in the process

• Pursue good academic scores in 12th examinations with mathematics as one of the major subjects. The computer science and geography subjects are also important in this field. The students should try to get a hold on these subjects also.
• Find the reputed universities that offer bachelor’s degree in geography or cartography or geology and pursue it from there.
• Get experience in this field by doing internship programmes or pursue certification courses in related subjects.
• Search out for the companies that recruit GIS professionals and apply for it.

Skills required for a GIS professional

GIS professionals need a set of outstanding skills to perform well in this field. They should have good attitude and good eye in detail. A high technical aptitude is necessary for them. Various GIS skills include GIS analysis, data maintenance, data entry, GIS workflow, etc. In addition to these they need a hold on database and programming skills. They should be able to handle the projects very accurately and find proper solutions according to it. They need good customer support skills and should perform well in team works also.