MapPros! Careers in Geospatial Technologies

"I admire strong men and women who have used their talents to make a difference in the lives of those around them."

"My advice to a student interested in geography would be to start exploring his/her natural aptitudes from an early stage as a way of honing in on what to pursue at the postsecondary level. I would also recommend seeking out a good mentor to guide his/her career choices and who could be a positive role model."

Career opportunities in the field of spatial climate (the application of geospatial technologies to climate problems) are expanding rapidly, with new tools being developed every year, accompanied by an increasing recognition of the usefulness of these tools to explore both spatial AND temporal questions.

Climatologist - Lesley-Ann L. Dupigny-Giroux

Field: Climatology (Geography)
Job Title: Vermont State Climatologist, Associate Professor of Geography
Place of Employment: University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont

What is your current job and what does it entail?

I am currently an Associate Professor of Geography at the University of Vermont, and the Vermont State Climatologist. In addition to teaching courses on climatology, remote sensing, GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and natural hazards, I also research land-surface interactions (e.g. the effects of drought, flooding and severe storms on natural vegetation) in Vermont and New England. As State Climatologist, I provide local expertise on climate related issues.

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

My daily interactions are with students (K-12 and at the university level), foresters, soil scientists, planners, legislators, hydrologists, GIS professionals, and the public.

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

Most of the geospatial training I use involves interpreting remotely sensed imagery for determining vegetation stress, as well as digital elevation modeling for looking at topographic influences of storm patterns and tracks.

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

Other skills include climate data analysis and interpretation, and the archival analysis of historical climate records.

What was the key factor in your career decision?

I became a physical geographer because I wanted to delve into the dynamics that drive atmospheric processes in different climates, as well as the ways in which these fluctuate over time.

What do you like most about your career?

The highlight of my career would be the excitement of uncovering the untapped research potential in applying geospatial technologies to examine climate interactions in Vermont and New England.

What do you like least about your career?

One of the ongoing challenges is that until recently, GIS was not able to adequately handle the four dimensions (including time) typically used by atmospheric scientists. This meant using other ways of analyzing storm systems and their effects on the landscape.

What do you do to relax?

I like hiking.

Who are your heroes/heroines?

I admire strong men and women who have used their talents to make a difference in the lives of those around them.

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

My advice to a student interested in geography would be to start exploring his/her natural aptitudes from an early stage as a way of honing in on what to pursue at the postsecondary level. I would also recommend seeking out a good mentor to guide his/her career choices and who could be a positive role model. In terms of academics, I would suggest taking mathematics, physics and related classes in addition to geography courses—if they are offered. Finally, extracurricular internships are a great way to gain "hands-on" experience while discovering what direction you would like to pursue.

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

Career opportunities in the field of spatial climate (the application of geospatial technologies to climate problems) are expanding rapidly, with new tools being developed every year, accompanied by an increasing recognition of the usefulness of these tools to explore both spatial AND temporal questions.

Degree Major Institution

B.Sc.

Physical Geography & Development Studies

University of Toronto

M.Sc.

Climatology & Hydrology

McGill University

Ph.D.

Climatology & Remote Sensing

McGill University