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The Systems Approach to GIS – Technical Skills for the Workforce

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2 weeks ago
GeriMiller
by Esri Regular Contributor
Esri Regular Contributor
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2 weeks ago

INTRODUCTION - PURPOSE OF BLOG

GIS has changed from desktop to web-centric technology. It also has evolved as a system which encompasses a myriad of moving parts and pieces – it is not just about technology itself, but also how we implement, collaborate, integrate and work across various subsystems and frameworks.

How is this system implemented today by various organizations? How do we envision GIS fits in organizations’ IT ecosystem? How do we align GIS programs with such industry needs? What are changes and approaches that we must acknowledge, take action on, upskill ourselves, incorporate in curriculum? How do we build and evolve to encourage innovation?

GIS Programs (graduate and undergraduate) which perceive GIS as a System (rather than just technology/software implementation) will be most successful in fulfilling the goal of preparing students for the workforce, as well as attracting new students eager to learn relevant skills.

When we think about workforce readiness, it is important to recognize and cultivate those skills and knowledge that learners need to be successful in the workplace. It includes both technical skills and soft (also referred to essential) skills, and the ability to adapt to new challenges. In addition, balancing theoretical and practical knowledge is key.

This is a series of two blogs which define GIS as a SYSTEM, along with technical and soft skills that are important to learn for today’s GIS environment.

GIS TODAY

Modern GIS is a SYSTEM – in recent years there has been changes in underlining technical architecture and as well as changes in how organizations and people operate.

Thousands of cities, agencies, nonprofits, and businesses depend on GIS. Moving the focus of GIS from the desktop to the web makes it mobile, automated, responsive, interconnected, cloud based, and configurable—these themes are an integral part of a modern GIS curriculum.

This “system’s approach” is a holistic framework for connecting people, processes, and technology - to solve problems.  A "systems approach" to GIS means considering a Geographic Information System not just as a standalone mapping tool, but as an integrated part of a larger organizational system, encompassing data collection, storage, analysis, visualization, and distribution, ensuring seamless interaction with other relevant systems within the organization to support decision-making across different departments and levels. 

A system is composed of capabilities, software, data, technology infrastructure, people, and workflows that fulfill specific business requirements.

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INDUSTRY NEEDS - WORKFORCE READINESS

Various organizations (private, public) view and implement GIS as a System.

Why - the benefit of implementing GIS as a System are:

  • Enhanced Decision Making: By integrating spatial data with other relevant information, users can make more informed decisions based on a comprehensive understanding of the situation. 
  • Improved Efficiency: Streamlined workflows and data sharing across systems can reduce redundancy and improve operational efficiency. 
  • Greater Visibility: Visualizing complex data relationships through GIS maps allows for better understanding of trends and patterns. 
  • Better Success Rate: By adapting a holistic approach to integrate people with developing and maintaining GIS through change management and governance frameworks.
  • Delivered Business Values: Through alignment of GIS with changing business needs.

Workforce Readiness

Therefore, if industry cares and perceives GIS as a system, it is logical to think that workforce skills should align. While that means that technical skills are required, it also means that soft (essential) skills and associated competencies are required as well - skills and competencies related to connecting people, processes, and capabilities. Skills and competencies related to understanding the problem at its core, collaborating, communicating, managing projects, adapting, leading, and so on.

The curriculum and instruction of GIS education must keep pace and ensure such technical and soft skills are acquired and supplemented by real-world examples and project-based learning, to become competencies. Focusing on maintaining a balance of 'keeping up with technology' and equipping students with 'durable' (or 'transferable' or 'soft skills') that will help them succeed throughout their career, is important.

In addition, the foundational concepts change more slowly than technology. Some foundational concepts have evolved, and new concepts have emerged.  If one understands the concepts, it is easier to adjust to changes in technology.    

TECHNICAL SKILLS

If we think about GIS as a System which has the components above, it is logical to organize skills as part of these components. Some require technical skills, some lend themselves more to soft (essential) skills.

What are the technical skills that need to be conveyed? Soft skills (People, Workflows) are addressed in this blog.

  • Capabilities - these are typical GIS core functions which have been around for a while, but have evolved over time
    • Data Management 
    • Mapping and Cartography
    • Spatial Analysis 
    • Field Operations/Mobile Workflows
    • Imagery/Remote Sensing  
    • Sharing/Presenting 
    • 3D GIS
    • Real Time
  • Technology Infrastructure
    • Enterprise GIS knowledge
      • Cloud Systems
      • On Premises Systems
      • Hybrid Systems
    • Designing a System and Systems Architecture with scalability, high availability and disaster recovery
    • Enterprise application hosting and management with publishing/hosting of spatial data layers and non-spatial attributes
    • Capacity Planning
    • Networking, elasticity
    • Integration and Interoperability
    • Security and Compliance
  • Software – technology itself
    • Cloud
    • Apps
    • Desktop
    • Server
    • Mobile
    • Database
    • Developer Tools
    • Support for the above technology, including:
      • Collaboration and Workflow Automation
      • Multi-user access
      • Support for AI, Big Data and Cloud Computing
    • Data
      • Data Acquisition and Sources
      • Data Management/Editing/Data Integration
        • Data Quality Management
        • Data Governance and Metadata
        • Data Security and Privacy
      • Database Management – relational databases, multiuser geodatabase, multiuser workflows, versioning, replication
      • Integration with other business systems

RESOURCES AND APPROACHES

What resources and approaches are there to balance theoretical and practical knowledge?

Below is a list of general resources which can help with introducing these technical skills.

Continuous Professional Development

As instructors, or students who take the initiative to learn on their own - how do we keep up with all the above? As GIS is ever evolving, investing time in professional development is integral for Educators and life-long learners.  

There are many different methods of learning that suit all needs. Check various learning approaches in this Professional Development: Are You on Top of Your Game blog.  

Next Steps and Feedback

Please leverage the resources above, in the classroom or for your own learning.

Any feedback on what is valuable, or not, is appreciated!

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