Now more than ever, the geospatial technology industry is undergoing a significant transformation driven by rapid technological advancements and an increasing demand for innovation. As a result, job responsibilities are evolving at a rate that can seem overwhelming, requiring professionals to adapt and develop new skills to remain relevant.
But how exactly are things changing? What does it mean for GIS professionals, employers, and the future of work? And what are the concrete steps you can take to make sure you’re keeping up with a landscape that is constantly shifting under your feet?
Emerging Technologies and Changing Roles
Transformational breakthroughs, particularly in generative artificial intelligence, are reshaping industries and tasks across all sectors. These technological advances, however, are converging with a broader array of challenges, including economic and political volatility, geoeconomic realignments, environmental challenges, and evolving societal expectations. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 paints a forward-thinking picture of the evolving landscape of careers, and it is clear that GIS and spatial analytics play a significant part in this transformation.
The report underscores the seismic shifts brought about by technological advancements like AI, big data, and automation. In the realm of GIS, these technologies are not just buzzwords, they are impactful forces. These advancements automate data processing, enhance predictive modeling, and elevate decision-making, fueling business engines to reach new heights. By harnessing these technologies, GIS professionals can uncover previously hidden patterns, predict future trends with unprecedented accuracy, and make real-time decisions with more confidence.
Just as crucial to the future of the GIS industry is the ongoing process of shifting from a carbon-based economy to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly one. It involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting renewable energy sources, and implementing practices that protect and restore the environment. As the world grapples with this transition, the demand for GIS professionals is skyrocketing, whether it comes to environmental monitoring, disaster response, or sustainable urban planning.
Also at the forefront of this effort are digital access and data management. For GIS careers, this translates to a growing demand for expertise in data governance, integration, and interoperability. Managing and analyzing vast datasets is core to the work of GIS professionals, and this role is becoming ever more vital to present-day and future organizations.
And with the foregrounding of jobs related to AI, big data, and environmental stewardship, new roles are emerging. In the GIS industry, this means new and evolving positions that leverage these technologies.
Geospatial AI specialists, for instance, automate complex geospatial tasks, and their work enables organizations to make real-time decisions with greater accuracy and efficiency. These specialists integrate artificial intelligence with geospatial data to develop advanced analytical models and predictive tools. By leveraging AI, they can uncover hidden patterns and trends in spatial data, providing organizations with deeper insights and more informed strategies.
The role of climate resilience analysts has also evolved significantly. As the severity and frequency of climate-related events have increased, the need for specialized professionals who can not only analyze but also predict and mitigate these impacts has become more apparent. These analysts work on projects related to disaster risk reduction, sustainable development, and environmental conservation, and help organizations develop strategies to adapt to changing environmental conditions and enhance their resilience against natural disasters.
Another role that has evolved significantly in recent years is the digital twin engineer. The concept of digital twins traces back to NASA’s Apollo program, where engineers created detailed simulators to troubleshoot spacecraft systems from Earth. However, it was only with the advent of the Internet of Things (IoT) and big data analytics that digital twins found their true potential in a variety of industries. Digital twins enable more efficient urban planning, infrastructure management, and environmental monitoring. By simulating and optimizing various scenarios, these specialized engineers help organizations improve resource allocation, reduce operational costs, and enhance overall efficiency.
Of course there are many other emerging or changing positions that offer organizations the ability to harness cutting-edge technologies to drive innovation, improve decision-making, and achieve sustainable development goals. As these positions continue to evolve, they will play a key role in shaping the future of the geospatial technology field and the broader landscape of work.
Staying Ahead of the Curve
In this changing landscape, GIS professionals must blend interdisciplinary skills into their technical approach to problem-solving. Project management skills, for instance, help in coordinating and executing geospatial projects efficiently, while domain-specific knowledge in areas such as urban planning, environmental science, or public health enables GIS professionals to apply their technical expertise to real-world challenges.
Additionally, the ability to adapt, upskill, and reskill is essential for GIS professionals to keep pace with technological changes and leverage new tools and methodologies effectively. Addressing skill gaps and tapping into diverse talent pools fosters innovation by bringing in fresh perspectives and ideas. This adaptability and continuous learning are crucial for maintaining relevance in a competitive job market and for driving progress within the industry.
To succeed in the evolving geospatial technology field, professionals must adopt an initiative-taking approach in developing new skills and staying updated on industry trends. This journey begins with embracing continuous learning. Enrolling in courses and obtaining certifications from Esri can keep you current with the latest technologies and methodologies. Esri offers a range of training options, including online courses, instructor-led training, and self-paced learning modules. Attending industry workshops, webinars, and events such as the Esri User Conference provides valuable insights from experts and keeps you abreast of emerging trends.
Gaining practical experience is equally important. Seek internships and project opportunities to apply your skills in real-world scenarios. Practical experience is invaluable for understanding the complexities of geospatial data and technologies. Engaging in volunteer projects that require GIS expertise not only helps you gain experience but also expands your professional network.
Developing technical skills is a cornerstone of success in this field. Mastering GIS software and familiarizing yourself with advanced features and functionalities can set you apart. Enhancing your technical capabilities by learning programming languages such as Python, R, and SQL is elemental for data analysis, automation, and the development of custom geospatial solutions. Staying on top of emerging technologies like AI, machine learning, and the IoT will give you a competitive edge, as will understanding how these technologies integrate with GIS.
However, technical skills alone are not enough. Soft skills are equally vital. Effective communication, for example, is crucial for conveying complex technical information clearly and concisely to non-technical stakeholders, ensuring that your insights are understood and actionable. Cultivating strong teamwork and collaboration skills enhances project outcomes and fosters innovation.
Building a professional network is another key opportunity for career growth. Joining professional organizations such as the American Association of Geographers (AAG) or the Geospatial Professional Network (GPN)—formerly the Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA)—provides valuable resources, networking opportunities, and industry updates. Engage with industry professionals on platforms like LinkedIn, participate in discussions, and stay informed about the latest developments in the geospatial technology industry.
Staying engaged and up-to-date on industry developments is essential. Subscribing to Esri publications keeps you informed about the latest research, trends, and innovations. Participating in online forums and communities where GIS professionals share knowledge, discuss challenges, and collaborate on projects, such as Esri Community, can also be highly beneficial. Additionally, contributing to thought leadership by authoring articles, presenting them at conferences, and sharing your expertise can establish you as a leader in the field and open new opportunities.
Over time, GIS skills are becoming not just relevant but essential. And as the industry evolves, professionals must adopt an initiative-taking approach in developing new skills, embracing continuous learning, and adapting to the latest trends. By honing both technical and soft skills, stepping into leadership roles, and staying in the loop on emerging and changing technologies, GIS professionals can drive innovation and contribute to the advancement of the field. The landscape is changing, and those who adapt and innovate will stay on their feet.
About the author
