What Does a Spatial Analyst Do?

A spatial analyst typically studies a specific zone or territory according to some quite different evaluations of spatial relationships. This includes using many new technologies and resources to study areas in terms of geography, topography, or biological makeup. Many kinds of spatial analyst jobs also involve cartographic representation of phenomena, whether it’s social phenomena such as crime or polling results, economic data, or any other kind of demographic study.

Different kinds of spatial analysts work within various fields and industries, and they tend to be rather specialized. For example, a marine spatial analyst may study a marine area for the purposes of broader ecological studies, or more specific attempts to assess or characterize the spatial distributions of wildlife. These professionals might collect and analyze field data or come up with visual or text representations of collected data. In this case, the spatial analysis that is done focuses on providing concrete information about the occurrence of various kinds of marine life within a lake, river, or larger body of water.

Many spatial analysts use geospatial technology to assess, evaluate, or model a particular area. This kind of assistive technology helps to define spatial points and to monitor them more effectively. From use of satellite images to other various methods of data collection, geospatial technology applies to many different kinds of projects, and is used by professionals in highly diverse ways.

The job of a spatial analyst will typically include both a field component and a research component. Many of these professionals spend a lot of time relaying information to an audience, whether that is an internal department or a broader public audience. While much of the work of a spatial analyst is often done on computers, many of these individuals also venture out into the territories that they analyze order to accurately and effectively capture more information for research.

Although much of the job of a spatial analyst may revolve around specific set metrics for research, in some cases, these job roles can be expended to include higher-level analysis of existing programs. Some lower-level spatial analysts may spend over 90% of their time working on projects previously defined by others, but higher level spatial analysts may find themselves involved in assessing methods or even goals for projects, and figuring out if prior instructions and protocols are still relevant to an employer's general purpose. The "rank" of a spatial analyst within a company or agency will usually impact how much of this kind of evaluation the professional will perform.