Geographic Information Science - Unlocking A Boundless Career

31 Mar 2023

3 min

If this interests you, then the study of Geographic Information Science (GIScience) might be just for you!

As a graduate of GIScience, you’ll be equipped with a keen knowledge of how to utilise Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This helps you to work with companies and government agencies to help map out the world and the land for various opportunities.

Looking to strike it big by discovering a gigantic gold mine? Have the desire to help mitigate natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions? Then this could just be the perfect career path to embark on.

As the world continues to face growing climate change challenges and the rush for resources accelerates, companies and agencies require GIScience professionals to help guide their decision-making.

But before you jump on this opportunity, here’s what you need to know about pursuing a degree in Geographic Information Science

What is GIScience (Geographic Information Science)?

GIScience is a fast-growing discipline that combines science, geography and information technology to understand the landscapes around us better.

This discipline combines computer science, analytical cartography, remote sensing and imagery science, allowing you to draw in-depth conclusions and insights from datasets. It is a field of science that explores how to understand and utilize geographic data.

In fact, it is an evolving science that allows for the advancement of GIS methods and tools used to gather data. As a GIScience professional, you will be exposed to a wide spectrum of study that includes:

Urban & Regional Planning

This is where you’ll understand how cities are built and how they come together in harmony with the natural environment. These include using GIS tools and methods for site selection, land suitability analysis, planning action areas and impact assessments.

Cartography

Making accurate maps has become a science in itself. Modern maps require geologic and geotechnical maps, very complex variants. As such, graduates of GIScience will be exposed to cartography and will understand how maps are created and how to use GIS tools to enhance them.

Anthropology

One of the most interesting aspects of GIScience is the study of anthropology where you will be exposed to the study of human societies, cultures and development. This is essential to better understand the people in the region you are in and factor in how the results of your analysis and conclusions could affect their livelihoods and demographics.

Surveying

Whether you are trying to plan the construction of a new skyscraper or to mark out the land for conservation, an education in GIScience equips you with the tools and knowledge to get the job done. This includes surveying methods using GIS tools to research, develop and implement the progress of a project, factoring in essential elements such as the environmental impact



Why Should You Pursue Geographic Information Science

The issues of resource development, protection and climate change are fast becoming essential issues for advancing society.

You will learn cutting-edge knowledge, skills and abilities to use in the geospatial sciences. This includes how to effectively use geographical information systems and remote sensors for the collection and processing of geospatial data.

Additionally, you will get exposed to a variety of exciting career opportunities that could see you travelling the world or making a direct impact on society!

Work On Exciting Private Sector Projects

One of the biggest opportunities for graduates of GIScience is building a career in the mining and oil and gas sector.

Using your expertise in GIScience and your training involving GIS, you’ll be able to help companies in the very crucial exploration phase. This includes targeting mineral exploration, evaluating mining conditions, modelling mine construction and displaying crucial data such as hydrological data.

All this is critical to help companies evaluate the viability of a project, if it will be financially lucrative or if there are geological constraints that makes it impossible to embark on.

Fighting Climate Change

If you decide you help conserve the environment, you can build an exciting and rewarding career as a climate scientist. This is where GIScience comes in.

Your training will help you to gather vast amounts of data and accurately analyse it, allowing you to track environmental problems and investigate the causes.

For example, using geographic data, you could be helping government agencies identify areas that could be at threat of desertification, massive deforestation or rivers that are getting polluted by industries upstream.

Smarter Urban Planning

As an urban planner your education in GIScience will serve as a great asset in your role. You’ll be able to better understand the current needs of a city and advice on how to design a city to fulfil those needs.

Through GIS utilizing satellite imagery, aerial photography and remote sensors, you’ll be able to get a lay of the land and understand if an area is suitable to build a metropolis or a small town. If a site can smoothly integrate with existing infrastructure or not.

You’ll have a vibrant career, interacting with government agencies, resource experts and planning professionals to help develop a city and make it better for the residents.

With a degree in GIScience, you’ll be able to unlock a career in future-proof industries that will make a direct impact on the lives of people and communities.



Career Opportunities In Geographic Information Science

Upon graduation, you’ll be able to work in various roles across the globe in both the private and public sector. This will include oil and gas giants, exploration companies, government agencies, and global NGOs.

Here are some of the career paths and roles that you can expect to embark on:
* Cartographer
* Climatologist
* Mining Analyst
* Ecologist
* GIS Specialist
* Meteorologist

Whether you are looking to build a high-wage career that will continue to grow, pursuing a degree in Geographic Information Science can be one of the best decisions you can make!



Embark On Your Geographic Information Science Career With SIM

Keen on taking the next step and start pursuing an exciting career in GIScience?

At SIM, our Bachelor of Science (Geographic Information Science), awarded by the University at Buffalo, is designed in consultation with employers and industry groups to provide you with the most relevant education in the field.

As the leading private education institution in Singapore, our lecturers demonstrate both professional and academic competence in the industry, ensuring you receive the very best learning experience possible.
It’s time to join an evergreen industry brimming with potential for you to develop a fulfilling career across various exciting roles.

The Geographic Information Science course is offered by the University at Buffalo. The institution is a Member of the Association of American Universities (AAU). As one of the leading public research universities in the United States, the institution is engaged in the highest levels of research and dedicated to academic excellence.

Learn more about the Bachelor of Science (Geographic Information Science).