My Path to Becoming a GIS Cadastral Specialist and Advice to Others
“So, you can shoot lasers from satellites in outer space?”
“Do you watch people through their windows?”
These are the types of questions I hear when explaining my career as a GIS Cadastral Specialist. To answer these questions, No. I do not shoot lasers like your favorite science fiction television show, and I do not spy on anyone like 007.
My name is Susan Jarvis and would like to share how my experiences in GIS and passion for cadastral work led me to a fulfilling role at the Department of Defense.
In this blog post, I will be covering my career journey, navigating a GIS career in the federal government, and the importance of networking and community.
Early Career & Interests in GIS
I started out like most geographers in university, pursuing a different degree entirely. Geography and Geospatial Sciences somewhat fell into my lap. At Oregon State University (OSU), I saw maps lining the halls of the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences department, and I was fascinated. The cartography illustrating these complex scientific principles into beautiful artwork, the building felt like a museum! I fell a pull towards the wonder of it all. I switched majors shortly after. This was a pivotal moment for me in my early academic years.
With my Bachelor of Science degree in Geography and Geospatial Sciences on one hand, and my certificate in Geographic Information Systems on the other, I graduated from OSU in 2021.
Caption: Susan at Oregon State University in 2021, with a campus food-delivery robot
During my time at OSU, I found an excellent community of mappers in the Geography club, and I was told about the NASA Develop Program, which was my first break in the GIS field. I applied and was accepted as a Remote Sensing Researcher for Science Systems and Applications, Inc., a development learning program under NASA, working remotely for the Langley Research center in Hampton, VA.
During this time, the world was facing a global pandemic, so my entire position was remote work. This was an early career challenge for me as my “first adult job” relied entirely on self-advocating, accountability, and internal motivation. Now, these challenges did not negatively affect my time with NASA, but they became necessary obstacles that I needed to experience, which has ultimately shaped my approach to my work today.
Transition to The Department of Defense
As my part-time position at NASA was coming to an end, the experience was so overwhelmingly positive that I decided to pursue a career with the federal government. I dove into searching USAJOBS with enthusiasm. By then, I had relocated from Oregon to Virginia, and while settling in, I attended Old Dominion University's GIS Day event. It was there that I had the opportunity to meet two hiring staff members from the federal government, who were working at the local naval station. After our conversation, I researched the organization, took the job, and found their mission and values to be a strong fit with my own. One of my core values in my GIS career is to make a meaningful impact, and supporting the warfighter aligned perfectly with that goal.
So, what is cadastral? Cadastral refers to the record of real estate within a given area, often depicted geographically on a map. Cadastral GIS data includes information about the legal interpretation of property boundaries. In my role as a GIS Cadastral Specialist, I apply geographic data to land and property management within a military and government context. This position is unique because it not only allows me to create maps, but it also offers numerous opportunities for career growth. These include flying drones for gathering imagery, studying historic deeds dating back to the 1700s, and gaining hands-on experience with boots-on-the-ground surveying using Trimble equipment.
Caption: Susan Jarvis and coworker, GIS Specialist, Lauren McCloskey, surveying
Growth & Opportunities in the DoD
This organization has been instrumental in supporting my career development through training, certifications, and mentorship opportunities. I’ve had the chance to earn my Part 107 Remote Pilot certification, attend the Esri User Conference, and travel to various states to pursue my Florida Association of Cadastral Mapper certification. These experiences, along with hands-on GIS fieldwork, have greatly expanded my professional network.
One standout opportunity has been the Aspiring Leadership Development Program, which not only honed my technical skills but also emphasized the importance of soft skills. Topics such as conflict resolution, ethics, integrity, and leadership strategies have been pivotal in advancing my career.
My organization excels at fostering continued education and investing in its employees. Through this organization, I’ve broadened my professional network and become more involved with a community of young professionals. My position has highlighted how geography intersects with various fields, and I’ve witnessed its applications in real estate, utilities, public works, and environmental sectors. In my role, I create maps that visualize real-world places within these areas.
I have also gained proficiency in software such as ArcGIS Pro, Wingtra Hub, Pix4Dmatic, and Microsoft Access.
Caption: Battleship Wisconsin, Downtown Norfolk
Advice for Young Professionals
Esri Academy. Starting a GIS career in government can be both rewarding and challenging. As a young professional, it’s important to focus on building a solid foundation of technical skills. I highly recommend the Esri Academy, or if you are still in college, save the labs your professors assign to you, so you can look back on them later!
Networking is Key. Find your community, if unavailable locally, join Esri Young Professionals Network (YPN) and be an active participant in the YPN Community, check out StackOverflow for common troubleshooting, even follow threads on social media such as X or Reddit! I suggest r/GISmemes, r/gisjobs, or #Mapping on X. There is so much enriching GIS content, and people out there, you just have to go looking for it.
Certifications. Breaking into GIS Cadastral work can take place in federal, state, and local government. You will even find themes in both public and private contracting; this field goes together with surveying work. Cadastral GIS focuses on land ownership, boundaries, and property assessments. Breaking into this specialized area requires both technical GIS knowledge and a good understanding of legal and property systems. If you’re looking to work in cadastral GIS, consider gaining certifications such as the Florida Association of Cadastral Mappers (FACM) or similar qualifications in your region. Familiarize yourself with land surveying principles, land records, and geodetic systems. Additionally, gaining hands-on experience through internships, volunteer opportunities, or entry-level positions in local government or planning departments can help you build the expertise needed for cadastral work.
Overcoming Hurdles. One of the biggest challenges in a GIS career, especially within government roles, can be navigating bureaucracy and working with limited resources. Government agencies often have strict regulations and slower decision-making processes, which can feel frustrating. To overcome these hurdles, focus on adaptability and communication. Learn how to present GIS data clearly and persuasively to stakeholders, demonstrating how your work can solve problems and provide value. Build relationships across departments, as GIS is often integrated into many different governmental functions (e.g., urban planning, environmental management, transportation). This will help you understand different perspectives and find ways to collaborate effectively.
Working with Intergenerational Teams. My last (and most important) advice for a young professional is preparing to work in an intergenerational team. Working with intergenerational teams—teams that include members from different generations, such as Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Gen Z—can be challenging, but can provide invaluable exposure to diverse perspectives, improve problem solving abilities, and develop critical leadership skills. Advocating for yourself in an intergenerational team can be a valuable opportunity for growth, but it requires tact, confidence, and respect. Know your value, but don’t be afraid to ask questions.
The Future of GIS in Government
The future of GIS in government is bright, with increasing reliance on spatial data for decision-making, urban planning, disaster response, and environmental protection. GIS technology will continue to evolve, with trends such as 3D mapping, real-time data integration, and artificial intelligence being integrated into more government projects. As a young professional, it’s important to stay updated on these advancements and how they might shape the role of GIS in government. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on using GIS for equity and community engagement, so understanding the social implications of your work can set you apart as a forward-thinking professional.
In summary, building a successful GIS career in government requires both technical expertise and strong communication skills. Stay adaptable, invest in continual learning, and embrace the ever-evolving nature of the field.
Please comment below if you have any questions and you can connect with me on LinkedIn or email me at 17sejarvis@gmail.com