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Geospatial technician

Alternative titles for this job include Geographic information systems (GIS) technician

Geospatial technicians collect data to create maps, update satellite navigation systems and plan construction and conservation projects.

Average salary (a year)

£24,000 Starter

to

£35,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40 a week

You could work

9am to 5pm

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • a graduate training scheme
  • the armed forces

University

You could do a degree in:

  • geography
  • surveying and mapping
  • geographic information science
  • Earth sciences
  • computer science

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 3 A levels, or equivalent, including at least 1 science

More Information

College

You can take a college course to learn some of the skills needed for the job. This may help you when applying for a trainee position. 

Relevant courses include:

  • geography
  • engineering surveying
  • civil engineering for technicians
  • T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

Apprenticeship

You can apply for a place on a Geospatial Survey Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, or a Geospatial Mapping and Science Specialist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

Other Routes

You can apply to join a graduate training scheme with a geospatial data company, if you have a related degree.

You can also work towards this role through the armed forces. The Royal Air Force and the British army offer training to become an air cartographer and geographic technician.

More Information

Career tips

Geospatial technicians use specialist GIS software. You could build up your skills and knowledge of this through free online learning resources.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Association for Geographic Information for professional development and training opportunities.

Further information

You can find out more about careers and training in geographical information systems from:

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of geography
  • analytical thinking skills
  • maths knowledge
  • complex problem-solving skills
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • design skills and knowledge
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a geospatial information systems (GIS) technician, you could:

  • use specialist equipment to gather data, like advanced GPS, laser scanners and drones
  • digitise and code visual information such as aerial photos, geological surveys and satellite imagery
  • monitor changes to environments and the impacts of major events, such as flooding or wildfires
  • maintain and analyse geographic data held in GIS databases
  • provide organisations with technical reports, maps and 2D and 3D graphics to help with policy planning and decision making

Working environment

You could work in an office or visit sites.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you might specialise in areas of GIS mapping and data analysis, such as:

  • agriculture
  • mining
  • urban planning
  • transport infrastructure
  • habitat conservation
  • military intelligence

You could also become a GIS senior analyst, GIS engineer or GIS services manager.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Geospatial Mapping and Science Apprenticeship Degree (Level 6)

  • Wage: £22,000 a year Annually
  • Location: TATTON STREET, KNUTSFORD

Land Surveying Degree Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £18,000 a year Annually
  • Location: 163 165 Ranelagh Road, Ipswich
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

T Level Construction - Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction

  • Provider: BRIDGWATER AND TAUNTON COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: Taunton

T Level Construction - Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction

  • Provider: NEWCASTLE AND STAFFORD COLLEGES GROUP
  • Start date: 03 September 2025
  • Location: Stafford
Find courses near you

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