Geographic Information Systems Analyst

Summary : Under general supervision, is responsible for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) work of considerable difficulty in the analysis and evaluation of equipment and software applications for GIS development; and performs related work as required.Distinguishing Features: This is the advanced level class in the Geographic Information Systems Analyst sub-series. An employee in this class performs non-supervisory GIS-Adv analytic work in the central information systems division for the State. Employees in this class analyze and evaluate the utility of GIS-related software and hardware and design, program, and implement GIS-related solutions.Work Activities: Getting Information: Acquires data by submitting requests to appropriate agencies and physically collecting data from raw sources such as libraries, networks, or related media.Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Observes events out of data patterns.Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Identifies project objectives, required resources, and technical approaches necessary to satisfy the needs of the client by performing background research and applying defined standards.Analyzing Data or Information: Performs spatial analysis using appropriate GIS application tools and commands to solve business problems. Researches pre-existing data sets and data resources to gain familiarity with issues surrounding request. Selects the appropriate data collection, integration, and storage methods based on project objectives and current research.Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Examines existing business processes to determine what data sets are involved, how the data is obtained and stored, and current business needs. Identifies appropriate spatial data model to apply to complex problems based on agency needs and available GIS applications and resources.Thinking Creatively: Integrates GIS into existing agency or departmental applications to improve quality and cost effectiveness of state services. Creates GIS data applications, which provide decision-making tools for complex issues such as demographics, transportation, and the potential impact of construction, conservation initiatives, and other regional activities.Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Evaluates industry standards and technological advances to determine if system improvements are beneficial to the agency. Assesses needs for software or hardware upgrades through interaction with users and vendors.Processing Information: Writes source code using programming languages to create a digital map-interface or standard report allowing access to business data in a spatial environment. Checks source code through test simulations to ensure application meets goals outlined in project plan. Creates standardized processes to provide consistent output in compliance with established business procedures. Extracts data from internal sources. Creates specialized data sets, reports, maps, graphics, and other requested materials by analyzing data using GIS. Defines output parameters by loading data, graphics, and geography into database or system.Interacting with Computers: Implements application by transferring it to a production environment using various media, storage, or network devices. Determines if system problems are related to hardware compatibility issues, software errors, or user operation based on the performance of GIS components. Installs GIS software and hardware upgrades for users.Documenting/Recording Information: Creates specialized data sets, reports, maps, graphics, and other requested materials by analyzing data using GIS. Maintains official project archives and documentation by securing electronic storage of data and properly cataloguing materials. Writes formal documentation regarding project goals, storage of data, materials and project completion.Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Provides weekly progress reports to management or supervisor. Presents the results of spatial data analysis and recommendations to agencies in the appropriate format.Communicating with Persons Outside Organization: Corresponds with individuals outside the organization to troubleshoot or answer questions regarding GIS services.Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitors spatial systems, data structure, software and applications to ensure required availability of data and systems. Maintains GIS applications, hardware, and software to ensure performance needs are met. Defines the compatibility of software components, and application performance to determine impact of system modifications on the agency. Monitors performance of hardware components such as plotters, scanners, and digitizers.Training and Teaching Others: Trains users regarding the functionality of GIS related equipment, software and custom-designed applications through individual or class instruction. Provides training and technical assistance to users of GIS throughout state agencies. Develops curriculum and training standards for classes on the functionality of GIS, based on agency requirements and industry standards.Provide Consultation and Advice to Others: Identifies requirements necessary for GIS integration through consultations with clients, vendors, and other application developers based on request and agency needs.Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People: Performs independent quality assurance reviews of GIS projects by testing source code, checking system performance, ensuring project is operating within established budget, and monitoring activities of project team. Identifies types of application test which will be required based on nature of the project. Oversees the maintenance GIS applications, hardware, and software to ensure performance needs are met. Defines the compatibility of software components, and application performance to determine impact of system modifications on the agency. Evaluates industry standards and technological advances to determine if system improvements are beneficial to the agency. Defines output parameters by loading data, graphics, and geography into database or system.Scheduling Work and Activities: Establishes quality guidelines and key milestones for each project based on project goals outlined in the work plan. Develops detailed work plan according to project objectives, available resources, and required technical approach.

Education and Experience:Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree and experience equivalent to two years of experience in: 1) software applications development for Geographic Information Systems, or 2) the creation of maps or related reports using Geographic Information Systems software or hardware.Substitution of Experience for Education: Qualifying experience in one or a combination of the following areas may substitute for the required education, on a year for year basis, to a maximum of four years: 1) any geographical measurement work including but not limited to computer aided drafting design, software applications development for Geographic Information Systems, or the creation of maps or related reports using Geographic Information Systems software or hardware, or 2) any information systems work including but not limited to computer programming, database administration, or information systems analysis.