MapPros! Careers in Geospatial Technologies

"With my position, the ability to work with many different types of people is very important as well. Due to the nature of economic development projects, we may be working with people who are under tight deadlines and a great deal of stress. These individuals need to feel confident that we will get the job done for them on time and accurately."

"Like a lot of people, I sort of"stumbled" into my career. In other words, I did not plan this out from an early age. I have always been interested in maps and took some geography courses in college for fun. Little did I know that these classes would lead to a major in geography."

"One of the difficult aspects of having a career in GIS is trying to explain to folks exactly what it is that you do for a living. Most people are not aware of GIS and have no idea what you are talking about. I look forward to the day when the technology is recognized more widely, and things are definitely moving in that direction."

GIS Manager - Stuart Blankenship

Field: Economic Development
Job Title: GIS Manager
Place of Employment: Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Richmond, Virginia

What is your current job and what does it entail?

I am currently the GIS Manager for the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP). The GIS is used at VEDP for economic development site mapping and analysis, creation of maps for brochures and websites, internet mapping applications, and presentations to businesses that are considering locating or expanding to Virginia. My responsibilities include, but are certainly not limited to, managing the maintenance and creation of geographic datasets within VEDP, maintaining catalogs of several different imagery datasets, and providing support for economic development projects. I also provide technical assistance to outside organizations, such as other state agencies, localities, and regional organizations when requested. I am also expected to provide presentations on the value of GIS in economic development and to detail how we use the technology at VEDP.

In your day-to-day activities, who are the people that you interact with regularly?

I interact with a variety of people during my normal work activities. Obviously, the first priority for our GIS is to serve the needs of the overall organization, so I am constantly interacting with other staff within VEDP. Most of these staff have limited knowledge of GIS and are experts in the economic development process. They have questions they need answered or sites they need displayed, and they expect the GIS staff to produce the product they need. I also work with economic development officials who work at the local or regional level to provide them any assistance they may need as well. When working with GIS in economic development, a large number of different data layers are required. Therefore, I am constantly interacting with public and private entities that are sources, or potential sources, of data for us to use in our projects. Typically, I am dealing with another GIS professional from one of these organizations.

For your position, what skills do you need in geospatial technologies?

Our GIS is based on ESRI software, so strong skills are required with many of their products including ArcGIS Desktop and ArcSDE. In general, this position requires a working knowledge of a wide variety of geospatial technologies and concepts. We receive data in many different formats and must be able to translate them into something that will work in our system. We are also asked to perform many unique spatial queries which require the use of different spatial functions, such as overlay, proximity, and containment. In addition, this position must have, at a minimum, some basic understanding of cartographic concepts.

For your position, what skills outside of geospatial technologies are required?

When working with a GIS, the user is required to sit in front of a computer for many hours of the day. Therefore, a working knowledge of computer hardware, operating systems, networking, and other software packages is essential. Weakness in this area can become a hindrance to performing well in a career in GIS. With my position, the ability to work with many different types of people is very important as well. Due to the nature of economic development projects, we may be working with people who are under tight deadlines and a great deal of stress. These individuals need to feel confident that we will get the job done for them on time and accurately. I would also say that the ability to solve problems is a great asset as well. As mentioned earlier, we are presented with many unique questions, and it takes some pretty good problem solving skills to figure out a way to get the answer.

What was the key factor in your career decision?

Like a lot of people, I sort of "stumbled" into my career. In other words, I did not plan this out from an early age. I have always been interested in maps and took some geography courses in college for fun. Little did I know that these classes would lead to a major in geography. During my studies in geography, I was exposed to GIS and began to think that it might be the direction I would like to go with my career. As I learned more about GIS, I also began to develop an interest in computers which was something I never expected to happen. I tended to stay away from classes that dealt with computers before my exposure to GIS. So, I would say the key factor in my decision was finding a career that combined two of my interests.

What do you like most about your career?

I have always been interested in maps, so I enjoy the fact that I get to work with them everyday. I also think it is really interesting to look at things from a spatial perspective, especially when it is a new concept to the people with whom you are working. In my job at VEDP, I also enjoy the challenges that are presented. There are always interesting questions to answer using spatial technology, and I’m always amazed at the variety of subjects presented to us. It is also satisfying to know that the GIS made some contribution in attracting a business to Virginia which, in turn, creates more jobs for Virginia citizens.

What do you like least about your career?

One of the difficult aspects of having a career in GIS is trying to explain to folks exactly what it is you do for a living. Most people are not aware of GIS and have no idea what you are talking about. I look forward to the day when the technology is recognized more widely, and things are definitely moving in that direction.

What do you do to relax?

One of my favorite activities for relaxation is fishing. I like all types of fishing, but surf fishing is my favorite. I love to spend time on the Outer Banks of North Carolina trying to catch whatever happens to be in the water at the time. I also enjoy reading and spending time with my family.

Who are your heroes/heroines?

I wouldn’t say I have specific individuals I would consider a hero or heroine. I would have to say I admire as a group those who have fought for our country. Each of these individuals has risked (and many are still risking) their lives to protect us.

What advice would you give a high school student who expressed an interest in pursuing a career in your field?

GIS as a profession is still in its early stages and is not offered at every college or university at this point. Make sure you choose a college with an established, strong program in GIS. Also make sure you learn as much as you can about computers including hardware, software and operating systems. Knowledge of networking and programming can be beneficial as well. Of course, the knowledge of GIS concepts is extremely important, but you will be using the computer skills extensively. Weakness in these skills can possibly hold you back in your career path.

Are career opportunities in your field increasing or decreasing and why?

Recently, geospatial technology has been identified as an emerging field. This technology can be found in many different areas, such as transportation, planning, and, of course, economic development. As this technology continues to emerge, demand for workers with these skills is also projected to increase.

E-mail: sblankenship@yesvirginia.org

Salary Range: $60-80,000

Degree Major Institution

B.S.

Geography

James Madison University

M.U.R.P.

Urban and Regional Planning

Virginia Commonwealth University