Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists
SOC: 15-1199.04 · Job Zone 4 (Considerable preparation)
Research or develop geospatial technologies. May produce databases, perform applications programming, or coordinate projects. May specialize in areas such as agriculture, mining, health care, retail trade, urban planning, or military intelligence.
AI Impact Summary
Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists faces moderate AI displacement risk with a score of 40/100. Significant displacement is estimated between 2038 and 2046. Of 24 analyzed tasks, 4 are highly automatable, particularly in routine_cognitive. Strong protective factors — including social intelligence, creativity, or regulatory barriers — significantly reduce effective risk.
Protective Factors
Total protective discount: 24.1%
Skill Analysis
AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)
High reliance on Reading Comprehension is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
AI-Resistant Skills (7)
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Persuasion is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Negotiation is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Manual Dexterity is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
AI-Augmented Skills (5)
Recommendations
Skills to Develop
These skills are at risk from AI automation. Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists professionals should diversify beyond them.
- Reading Comprehension
High reliance on Reading Comprehension is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
- Mathematics
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
- Information Ordering
High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
- Mathematics
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
- Programming
Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Skills to Leverage
These human-centric skills remain difficult for AI to replicate. Double down here.
- Complex Problem Solving
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Coordination
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Instructing
Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Social Perceptiveness
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Persuasion
Persuasion is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Tools to Adopt
AI can amplify these skills. Learn the tools that augment rather than replace your work.
- Writing
Writing will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
- Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
- Active Learning
Active Learning will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
- Judgment and Decision Making
Judgment and Decision Making will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
- Systems Analysis
Systems Analysis will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
Task Breakdown
24 tasks analyzed
Produce data layers, maps, tables, or reports, using spatial analysis procedures or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, equipment, or systems.
Provide technical expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to clients or users.
Perform computer programming, data analysis, or software development for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications, including the maintenance of existing systems or research and development for future enhancements.
Read current literature, talk with colleagues, continue education, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, equipment, or systems.
Perform integrated or computerized Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analyses to address scientific problems.
Lead, train, or supervise technicians or related staff in the conduct of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analytical procedures.
Conduct or coordinate research, data analysis, systems design, or support for software such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or Global Positioning Systems (GPS) mapping software.
Collect, compile, or integrate Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data, such as remote sensing or cartographic data for inclusion in map manuscripts.
Create, edit, or analyze geospatial data, using Global Positioning Systems (GPS) or digitizing techniques.
Meet with clients to discuss topics such as technical specifications, customized solutions, or operational problems.
Document, design, code, or test Geographic Information Systems (GIS) models, internet mapping solutions, or other applications.
Create, analyze, report, convert, or transfer data, using specialized applications program software.
Develop new applications for geospatial technology in areas such as farmland preservation, pollution measurement, or utilities operations management.
Design, program, or model Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications or procedures.
Coordinate the development or administration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) projects, including the development of technical priorities, client reporting and interface, or coordination and review of schedules and budgets.
Develop specialized computer software routines, internet-based Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases, or business applications to customize geographic information.
Make recommendations regarding upgrades, considering implications of new or revised Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, equipment, or applications.
Assist users in formulating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) requirements or understanding the implications of alternatives.
Create visual representations of geospatial data, using complex procedures such as analytical modeling, three-dimensional renderings, or plot creation.
Prepare training materials for, or make presentations to, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) users.
Coordinate or direct research or publication activities of technicians or related staff.
Provide technical support for computer-based Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping software.
Conduct feasibility studies or identify system, time, equipment, or cost requirements for projects.
Apply three-dimensional (3D) or four-dimensional (4D) technologies to geospatial data to allow for new or different analyses or applications.
| Task | Category | AI Capability | Risk Score | Time % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Produce data layers, maps, tables, or reports, using spatial analysis procedures or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, equipment, or systems. | Non-Routine Analytical | 70 | 55.0 | 7% |
| Provide technical expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to clients or users. | Non-Routine Interpersonal | 35 | 29.0 | 5% |
| Perform computer programming, data analysis, or software development for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications, including the maintenance of existing systems or research and development for future enhancements. | Non-Routine Analytical | 75 | 57.0 | 7% |
| Read current literature, talk with colleagues, continue education, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, equipment, or systems. | Non-Routine Analytical | 50 | 47.0 | 3% |
| Perform integrated or computerized Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analyses to address scientific problems. | Non-Routine Analytical | 65 | 53.0 | 6% |
| Lead, train, or supervise technicians or related staff in the conduct of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analytical procedures. | Non-Routine Interpersonal | 20 | 23.0 | 4% |
| Conduct or coordinate research, data analysis, systems design, or support for software such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or Global Positioning Systems (GPS) mapping software. | Non-Routine Analytical | 60 | 51.0 | 5% |
| Collect, compile, or integrate Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data, such as remote sensing or cartographic data for inclusion in map manuscripts. | Routine Cognitive | 85 | 83.2 | 6% |
| Create, edit, or analyze geospatial data, using Global Positioning Systems (GPS) or digitizing techniques. | Routine Cognitive | 90 | 85.2 | 6% |
| Meet with clients to discuss topics such as technical specifications, customized solutions, or operational problems. | Non-Routine Interpersonal | 20 | 23.0 | 4% |
| Document, design, code, or test Geographic Information Systems (GIS) models, internet mapping solutions, or other applications. | Non-Routine Analytical | 75 | 57.0 | 5% |
| Create, analyze, report, convert, or transfer data, using specialized applications program software. | Routine Cognitive | 85 | 83.2 | 5% |
| Develop new applications for geospatial technology in areas such as farmland preservation, pollution measurement, or utilities operations management. | Non-Routine Analytical | 60 | 51.0 | 4% |
| Design, program, or model Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications or procedures. | Non-Routine Analytical | 70 | 55.0 | 4% |
| Coordinate the development or administration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) projects, including the development of technical priorities, client reporting and interface, or coordination and review of schedules and budgets. | Non-Routine Interpersonal | 25 | 25.0 | 4% |
| Develop specialized computer software routines, internet-based Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases, or business applications to customize geographic information. | Non-Routine Analytical | 70 | 55.0 | 4% |
| Make recommendations regarding upgrades, considering implications of new or revised Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, equipment, or applications. | Non-Routine Analytical | 55 | 49.0 | 2% |
| Assist users in formulating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) requirements or understanding the implications of alternatives. | Non-Routine Interpersonal | 30 | 27.0 | 3% |
| Create visual representations of geospatial data, using complex procedures such as analytical modeling, three-dimensional renderings, or plot creation. | Non-Routine Analytical | 65 | 53.0 | 4% |
| Prepare training materials for, or make presentations to, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) users. | Non-Routine Interpersonal | 40 | 31.0 | 2% |
| Coordinate or direct research or publication activities of technicians or related staff. | Non-Routine Interpersonal | 20 | 23.0 | 2% |
| Provide technical support for computer-based Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping software. | Routine Cognitive | 85 | 83.2 | 4% |
| Conduct feasibility studies or identify system, time, equipment, or cost requirements for projects. | Non-Routine Analytical | 60 | 51.0 | 2% |
| Apply three-dimensional (3D) or four-dimensional (4D) technologies to geospatial data to allow for new or different analyses or applications. | Non-Routine Analytical | 65 | 53.0 | 2% |
Community Assessment
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