How Do I Become a Geospatial Analyst?

Someone who was to become a geospatial analyst should obtain the right degrees and credentials while acquiring the appropriate skills for this demanding high-technology job. Because geospatial analysts work with high-level data technologies, there is a great deal of training and practice required for mastering this kind of role. Individuals who want to work in this field need to be technologically savvy, and have general oral and written communication skills, as well as familiarity with the math and science concepts that are useful in developing geospatial applications or using geospatial technologies.

One of the main things often required for a job as a geospatial analyst is a basic college degree. To become a geospatial analyst, the individual should have a bachelor of science degree or equivalent degree. This person may also need to have completed specific training in image analysis or other uses of cartography software. Other professional software certifications can also be extremely valuable for this kind of job, especially when they relate to the software products and technologies that use satellite data or other aspects of common geospatial tools.

General software skills are also important for someone who wants to become a geospatial analyst. Many employers want these professionals to understand intelligence cycles and overall data handling. They may also ask candidates to demonstrate experience with exploitation software and research tools.

Besides the range of qualifications and skill sets desired for geospatial analyst jobs, employers will often look for strong personal attributes in job candidates. This includes leadership experience or a solid track record in team management. Where specific management experience is not necessary, employers may still evaluate a candidate’s record of participation in a scientific or research team, or an administrative department. Employers may describe the successful candidate as dynamic and motivated, which means that high energy self-starters often have a better chance of attaining this job position for a successful career in this kind of technological cartography.

Some other formal qualifications may be required for a geospatial analyst job. Some employers want individuals with military experience or familiarity with Department of Defense standards if the project is military related. Many geospatial analyst jobs require active security clearances. Thus, someone intending to become a geospatial analyst should at the very least be certain that there is nothing in his or her background that would hinder obtaining such a clearance.