Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Mapping
The Sector
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) represents the most ubiquitous strand of IT. Geographical Information Systems are integrated computer systems for capturing, storing, analysing and displaying data which are geographically referenced to the earth’s surface.
GIS also includes the operating personnel and the data that go into the system. The main areas of GIS activity can be categorised as mature technologies which interact with GIS, management and decision-making, and science and research activities.
Sector Profile
Estimating the size of the GIS market is difficult due to its diversity and varied application across many markets. However, there is little doubt that the GIS jobs market has grown rapidly. ESRI, the largest GIS software and solution vendor, employs 2,500 people.
Issues and Trends
The main trend is the increased use of GIS in all industries to improve efficiency and decision-making. There has been considerable growth within the utilities industries and local government in employing GIS to manage assets and data. This trend is likely to widen as GIS moves into computer mainstream and is increasingly accessible from the desktop.
Employers will be seeking to empower individuals with the tools to share, visualise and analyse GIS data. Therefore, it is expected that applications will be more market focused – users will become increasingly unaware that they are using mapping technologies.
Web-enabled GIS components are further changing the way in which GIS solutions are delivered. The internet has grown as a delivery platform for geographical data as it provides cost effective implementation to every desktop and to the public.
The increased reliance on data in these systems has brought the emphasis of GIS towards data quality and accuracy rather than mere acquisition – getting and maintaining data is still the most important element of a successful GIS and the most expensive. This is being caused by changing uses of GIS technology and the growth of digital navigation systems (in car, WAP etc) which rely on accurate geographic data in order to function.
GIS Jobs at Technojobs http://www.technojobs.co.uk/jobs/gis - The Technical Recruitment Site featuring jobs in the IT, Electronics, Engineering and Telecoms industries
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