WHAT DOES A GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS ANALYST DO?

Published: Apr 22, 2025 – The Geographic Information Systems Analyst identifies and supports geospatial information needs through the maintenance of GIS systems, web content development, and user-friendly data presentation using ArcGIS, MS Office, and SharePoint. This position ensures data integrity, manages GIS metadata, supports software installations, and contributes to the development of procedures and policies for effective GIS resource management. This position assists in troubleshooting ESRI software issues, reviewing technical documentation, and testing GIS products to maintain high-quality deliverables.

A Review of Professional Skills and Functions for Geographic Information Systems Analyst

1. Geographic Information Systems Analyst Duties

  • GIS Analysis: Identify the potential solar PV and battery storage sites using industry GIS software tools.
  • Technical and Commercial Evaluation: Make recommendations on early-stage development opportunities, based on technical and commercial assessments.
  • Reporting: Prepare and deliver regular status reports on defined opportunities for the Head of Project Development, detailing high-level assessment of pros and cons on each potential site.
  • Site Assessment: Visit potential solar PV and battery storage sites with subsequent production of site reports to highlight key site characteristics and associated risks and issues.
  • Document Preparation: Assist in the preparation of key documentation, such as business cases, tender documentation, grant funding applications or similar.
  • Financial Modelling: Undertake financial modelling to define the optimum investment model for a renewable project using in-house capabilities.
  • Consultancy Services: Contribute to consultancy services on various aspects of solar PV and battery storage development, with a particular focus on site finding/feasibility.
  • Data Quality Control: Conduct quality control on database to ensure technical requirements are met.
  • Data Collaboration: Collaborate with all Land Acquisition Data Stakeholders to ensure that data are modelled according to needs and existing data are well managed (Data Analysis, Data Quality, …).
  • Field Data Management: Provide support related to management of field data collection, which may include tracking of data, administration of existing database and analysis, and design of new database (GPS data, traditional geodetic survey, ...).
  • Data Reporting: Prepare reports and analysis on daily, weekly, and monthly level.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that the data collected is in accordance with the technical requirements of the Jadar Project and the legislation of the Republic of Serbia.
  • Compliance Training: Undertake compliance training required by the role.
  • Project Support: Provide inputs for Spatial Planning, Environmental approvals and models, Community Social Performance, Mine design and logistics and operations and collaborate with RTM to achieve individual and team results.
  • Safety Compliance: Demonstrate awareness and comply with the Rio Tinto Ventures Energy and Minerals safety standards at all times.

2. Geographic Information Systems Analyst Details

  • ArcGIS Expertise: Serve as the ESRI ArcGIS Subject Matter Expert (SME) who directly participates in the engineering, design, implementation, modifications and training within the Customer’s production ArcGIS environment (ArcGIS Enterprise Architecture: ArcGIS Server, Portal for ArcGIS, ArcGIS Web Adaptor, ArcGIS Data Store, ArcGIS GeoEvent Server, ArcGIS Geo-Analytics Server)
  • GIS Support: Provide GIS support via ESRI ArcGIS Desktop software (ArcMap, ArcGIS Pro) and within an ArcGIS Enterprise architecture to portal-based ArcGIS applications, base maps and geo-processing services
  • Data Maintenance: Provide support to ArcGIS data creation, geodatabase editing, and spatial data maintenance for portal-based and desktop ArcGIS applications
  • User Training: Work with intelligence analysts to ascertain analytical workflows, business requirements, and to train personnel in the use of GIS technology solutions
  • Data Conversion: Provide support to data capturing and conversion of GIS data for all GIS activities
  • Spatial Analysis: Perform complex GIS analyses with a variety of data formats, Shape Files, Personal Geodatabases, Third-Party data sources (SQL Server, Excel, Access, etc.)
  • Product Development: Work as part of the GIS team to develop distributed products via web-based technology and desktop software
  • App Development: Support application development utilizing various programming languages
  • Web Services: Support the development of SOAP and REST Web Services
  • Map Publishing: Publish data layers, maps, operations dashboards and StoryMaps using ArcGIS Portal
  • Data Upload: Prepare and load geospatial data files (.shp, etc) as hosted data layers on ArcGIS Portal
  • SQL Integration: Publish geospatial data layers that are directly connected to SQL Server / SDE
  • Metadata Management: Prepare, publish and maintain metadata
  • Dashboard Design: Design, test, and implement maps, operations dashboards and StoryMaps using ArcGIS Portal
  • Deployment Automation: Automate deployment of GIS data on ArcGIS Server using REST API and Python

3. Geographic Information Systems Analyst Responsibilities

  • Vector Analysis: Performs complex vector and tabular analysis
  • Report Preparation: Prepares project reports and status tracking tables
  • Procedure Development: Assists in creating plans, protocols, and procedures
  • Database Management: Assists with database development and management
  • Field Support: Provides support for environmental and other field surveys
  • Data QA/QC: Performs QA/QC checks on data, tables, and mapping
  • SDE Versioning: Works within an ArcSDE environment with versioning
  • Map Production: Prepares map books and other map products
  • Sheet Production: Assists in the production of pipeline alignment sheets
  • GPS Processing: Assists in GPS file conversions and data processing
  • Data Editing: Creates, edits, and maintains GIS data
  • Remote Sensing: Acquires and works with remotely sensed data
  • Mosaic Management: Creates and maintains Mosaic Datasets
  • LiDAR Analysis: Manage and analyze LiDAR data
  • CAD Integration: Import, export, and connect GIS data to CAD

4. Geographic Information Systems Analyst Job Summary

  • AutoCAD Familiarity: Familiarity with AutoCAD Civil 3D AEC objects
  • SQL Management: Prepare, manage, and manipulate MS SQL Server data and databases using T-SQL
  • Task Automation: Automate analysis and reporting tasks using scripting languages such as Python/JavaScript to support field operations
  • GIS Analysis: Perform analysis of GIS public health and environmental data including proximity analysis, surface analysis, network analysis and more
  • Data Utilization: Employ both vector and raster data to analyze public health and environmental data
  • Mobile Tools: Use mobile tools such as Survey123 to gather, integrate and analyze public health data
  • Map Production: Produce static and interactive cartographic products to communicate complex concepts to audiences of all types
  • Documentation Development: Develop project documentation in accordance with customer guidelines
  • Spatial Analysis: Perform spatial data analysis of large spatial datasets solving complex spatial challenges and create thematic maps
  • Modeling Solutions: Using vector and raster datasets, conceptualize, analyze and model the solution to achieve business objectives
  • Data Modeling: Create, develop and maintain spatial datasets, analyze and model relationships between spatial and non-spatial geographic datasets
  • Database Maintenance: Digitize, create, maintain, display and update GIS database, coverages and linkages to various GIS databases
  • Geo-statistics: Develop and maintain GIS data sources, create and present well-written and detailed reports, solve technical challenges and use geo-statistical techniques to analyze data
  • Map Publishing: Work on projections, coordinate systems, georeferencing and map publishing
  • Location Intelligence: Take the lead on managing location intelligence support on projects

5. Geographic Information Systems Analyst Accountabilities

  • Project Management: Manage assigned projects to completion ensuring that all activities are coordinated and completed on time with internal and external partners if applicable.
  • Data Maintenance: Maintain data sets and standard maps on CCIC’s ESRI Portal.
  • Data Acquisition: Coordinate the identification and acquisition of new spatial data and supervise the integration of this data into the organization’s GIS.
  • Script Development: Develop Model Builder and/or Python scripts to automate GIS business logic.
  • Project Planning: Develop accurate project plan for all assigned projects, modify.
  • Meeting Facilitation: Lead internal project meetings with other managers and team members to review the status of each project and implement changes as necessary to ensure timely project completion.
  • GIS Standards: Design and implement organization-wide GIS standards.
  • System Analysis: Identify, analyze, and define changes to GIS applications software and related systems and subsystems that will maximize efficiencies for better services to users.
  • Change Planning: Recommend such changes to the organization and develop plans to implement them.
  • Activity Coordination: Coordinate GIS-related activities with user departments.
  • GIS Liaison: Serve as the organization’s point of contact on GIS matters.
  • Partner Management: Manage relationships with collaborating and/or related outside GIS organizations and attend meetings of local user groups.
  • ETL Design: Collaborate on the design and implementation of spatial data ETL workflows.
  • GIS Reporting: Prepare and deliver GIS figures for environmental reporting.
  • Data Processing: Perform advanced data analysis and process tasks.

6. Geographic Information Systems Analyst Functions

  • Technical Support: Assist with technical analysis on GIS computer applications, provide technical support and promote GIS technology
  • Data Management: Identify, create, collect, convert, integrate, and manage geospatial datasets and metadata on multiple simultaneous projects
  • Problem Solving: Analyze technical problems and devise new approaches and alternative solutions
  • App Development: Develop or maintain GIS applications using a combination of GIS software, web-based development tools, and/or Windows development tools
  • Data Analysis: Process and analyze raster and vector geospatial data in support of clients and staff including engineers, environmental scientists, and planners
  • Script Creation: Create scripts/models/macros in multiple platforms
  • Workflow Documentation: Create and disseminate production workflow documents
  • Field Development: Provide technical lead on the development of field data collection applications
  • Product Research: Identify and learn new data collection products as they become available
  • Platform Coordination: Coordinate geospatial data across platforms (desktop, tablet, GPS receivers, etc.)
  • Report Preparation: Assist with the preparation of reports, graphics, tables, and map figures
  • Impact Support: Support environmental impact studies, NEPA studies, and technical reports for projects
  • Peer Review: Conduct peer reviews of these products
  • Data QA/QC: Provide QA/QC of field-collected data, incorporating topology rules

7. Geographic Information Systems Analyst Job Description

  • Needs Analysis: Identify and analyze wide geospatial information and end-user support needs as well as needs of specific business areas
  • User Support: Provide ongoing end-user support for new or existing GIS software and technology
  • Web Design: Design, develop and maintain web pages
  • Data Conversion: Support data conversion, reformatting, and transfer, data exchange methods, and metadata
  • Info Presentation: Analyze and present complex system information using MS Office Suite and SharePoint in simple, user-friendly formats including SharePoint sites, websites, guides, maps, and hand-outs
  • Map Management: Manage basic online maps, applications, data, and services using ArcMap, ArcPro and ArcGIS Online technology
  • Policy Development: Assist with developing GIS information resource management procedures and policies
  • Data Integrity: Ensure the integrity, availability and quality of the Service's GIS information resources
  • Quality Control: Manage GIS data and metadata for quality control, and develop and comply with standards
  • Data Curation: Work on GIS and Remote Sensing data curation and organization
  • Customer Support: Provide customer support for ESRI software and direct users to an appropriate customer service outlet
  • Document Review: Review documents for content, grammar, spelling, and format and perform various administrative tasks
  • Product Testing: Ensure all products are complete and fully tested
  • Tech Learning: Learn new systems and technology
  • Software Support: Support installation of GIS-related software and assist with maintenance of GIS-related license servers, including creating guides and best practices

8. Geographic Information Systems Analyst Overview

  • Spatial Analysis: Performing spatially defined analytical work in providing consultation, support, and training
  • User Support: End-users and regarding other technology-based systems
  • System Integration: Participating in system integration activities
  • Communication Skills: Utilizing strong communication skills and effectively interacting with a broad range of end-users
  • Tech Resources: Using a variety of technical resources
  • Tech Support: Providing routine and non-routine support for a broad range of technologies
  • Project Oversight: Overseeing projects, including independently managing timelines, tasks, and projects of medium complexity
  • Project Administration: Administer projects through ESRI ArcGIS Online environment
  • Field Support: Support field data collection through ArcGIS Collector, Survey123
  • Team Collaboration: Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams on innovative solutions
  • Data Evaluation: Gather, catalog, convert, and critique data sets for project needs from a variety of internal and external sources
  • Location Intelligence: Champion Location Intelligence solutions for the local office for both data collection and delivery
  • Deadline Support: Perform occasional after-hours and weekend work required to help meet client deadlines
  • Data Library: Develop and maintain a geographical library of public and purchased datasets needed to support daily work
  • Site Identification: Utilize GIS for the identification of new solar sites, creation of constraints information

9. Geographic Information Systems Analyst Details and Accountabilities

  • QGIS Analysis: Analyze, maintain and update GIS data using QGIS software
  • Data Modification: Modify existing databases and data sets utilizing geoprocessing tools
  • Database Creation: Create, develop and maintain GIS databases, performing data creation, and some cartography using QGIS
  • Map Updating: Maintain and update GIS maps
  • Data Collection: Collect and enter raw data into GIS for jurisdictional infrastructure
  • Design Support: Support solar facility design, prepare map exhibits and conduct risk assessments
  • User Assistance: Assist non-professional GIS users across the EMEA and APAC regions
  • Client Consultation: Lead and consult with internal and external clients to define project requirements, investigating various approaches to deliver high-quality information to stakeholders
  • Map Development: Develop advanced, specialized maps utilizing geographic information and best practices
  • Data Extraction: Extract demographic and other information from various data sources, and accurately represent it in maps and reports
  • Data Visualization: Create and expand on the visualization of data and reporting methods through mapping tools/software and technology
  • Stakeholder Collaboration: Collaborate and innovate with stakeholders including office professionals and clients, regarding projects, deadlines, resources, capabilities, and solutions
  • Data Editing: Perform data editing in ESRI and other databases for the Electric network and real estate data
  • Data Querying: Conduct queries and analysis for real estate data
  • Survey Verification: Verify land surveys and legal descriptions in support of real estate transactions and other land management activities

10. Geographic Information Systems Analyst Tasks

  • Market Analysis: Provide strategic market analysis for optimal store location strategy, sales and profit maximization utilizing GIS tools for business analysis
  • Map Production: Contribute to the production of interactive maps, websites, reports, and presentations that bring research content and real estate data to life
  • Data Visualization: Ensure visual data is presented accurately and in a compelling fashion
  • Data Response: Respond to internal stakeholders and external client requests for data and information
  • Best Practices: Develop and share best practices standards for the region and research
  • Map Assistance: Assist the refuge staff with tasks that are related to constructing maps, such as constructing graphical displays of data
  • Geospatial Analysis: Analyze geospatial data and develop metadata
  • Data Solutions: Assist regional staff with developing solutions to assist refugees with the storage, access, and curation of data useful to Alaskan Refugees
  • Training Support: Assist regional staff with identifying useful and available training resources for refuge staff aimed at bolstering skills needed to locate, store, and use geospatial data that furthers refuge aims
  • GIS Tasks: Assist with other GIS-related tasks
  • Activity Monitoring: Monitor and control technical activities throughout the complete life-cycle of the assignment
  • Project Coordination: Work closely with project teams & reporting manager to manage client expectations and ensure project objectives are met
  • Project Delivery: Ensure the smooth delivery of projects as specified in the project plan or Statement of Work
  • Data Auditing: Perform data audits and quality control measures
  • Documentation Maintenance: Develop and maintain documentation
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