
"The key factor was that I found the GIS field to be very exciting
as well as fun. Working with cutting edge technology to assist people like planners,
engineers, and the military in a dynamic environment can be very gratifying."
"I would advise a high school student to thoroughly research the Geography
department of colleges they may have an interest in. If possible, try to meet
the professor or even a student enrolled in the program. Also, check out some
of the GIS software packages, many companies such as ESRI will mail a trial version
of their software for free."
"GIS is expanding rapidly, so opportunities are also increasing.
Most state and federal organizations utilize GIS, especially where security in
the United States is at its peak. Also, commercial industry has embraced GIS."
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GIS Analyst - Robert Godfrey
Field: Senior GIS Developer
Job Title: GIS
Place of Employment: Eagan,
McAllister Associates, Inc
What is your current job and what does it entail?
It consists of a multitude of responsibilities that include programming custom
GIS applications (ESRI software), analyzing
and modifying geospatial digital data, and interacting with clients and coworkers
to discuss current and future projects.
In your day-to-day activities, who are the people that you interact with regularly?
I interact with other GIS Analysts, Senior GIS Developers, Web Developers,
Database Administrators, and Program Managers.
For your position, what skills do you need in geospatial technologies?
A knowledge of cartographic principles such as projections and scale;
remote sensing skills for identification of features in aerial imagery; use of
GIS software to perform advanced tasks such as dissolving and merging polygons
or buffer intersects; and basic knowledge of how to use GIS programs to pan,
zoom, and measure distances.
For your position, what skills outside of geospatial technologies are required?
Programming skills are essential in order to customize applications. I use
languages like Visual Basic, VBA,
and JSP. Also a basic knowledge
of computers is necessary.
What was the key factor in your career decision?
The key factor was that I found the GIS field to be very exciting as well
as fun. Working with cutting edge technology to assist people like planners,
engineers, and the military in a dynamic environment can be very gratifying.
What do you like most about your career?
I enjoy working with new technology, working with a great team, and helping
others through GIS.
What do you like least about your career?
Nothing comes to mind at the moment.
What do you do to relax?
Watch movies, build computers, work out, watch and play baseball, football,
and basketball.
Who are your heroes/heroines?
Heroine: Dr. Ann Oberhauser, Chair of Geography Dept at West Virginia University
Heroes: Pat Tillman, Ted
Williams, Lou Gehrig
What advice would you give a high school student who expressed an interest
in pursuing a career in your field?
I would advise a high school student to thoroughly research the geography
department of colleges they may have an interest in. If possible, try to meet
the professor or a student enrolled in the program. Also, check out some of the
GIS software packages, many companies such as ESRI will
mail a trial version of their software for free. Many of these trial versions
will contain a tutorial and sample data.
Are career opportunities in your field increasing or decreasing and why?
GIS is expanding rapidly, so opportunities are also increasing. Most state
and federal organizations utilize GIS, especially where security in the United
States is at its peak. Also, commercial industry has embraced GIS. For example,
GPS systems are now standard in cell phones, and many cars rely on GPS for navigation.
Another indicator is that companies like Microsoft have
developed their own GIS packages.
E-mail: Robert_Godfrey@emainc.com
Salary Range: $40-60,000
Comments: Feel free to email me with any questions
Degree |
Major |
Institution |
B.A. |
Geography |
West Virginia University |
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