Geospatial Technician

Typical Salary

£22,000 To £32,000

Typical Hours

37 to 40 a week

9am to 5pm

How To Become a Geospatial Technician

You can get into this job through:

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

College / University

You could do a degree in:

geography
surveying and mapping
geographic information science
Earth sciences
computer science

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

You can take a college course to learn some of the skills needed for the job, which may help when applying for a trainee position. Relevant courses include:

Level 3 Diploma in Engineering Surveying
Level 3 Diploma in Civil Engineering for Technicians
T level in Design, Surveying and Planning

5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science

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

Apprenticeship

You can work towards this role through a geospatial survey technician advanced apprenticeship.

5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

Other Routes

You can apply for a graduate training scheme with a geospatial data company if you have a 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.

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

Day To Day Tasks

On a typical day you may:

add geographic data and satellite imagery to a management system
use specialist equipment like advanced GPS, laser scanners and drones
gather visual information like aerial photos, geological surveys and satellite images
work closely with customers, engineers and project teams
provide technical GIS reports or drawings to help with business decisions
identify and correct errors on maps and design drawings

Working Environment

You could work in an office or visit sites.

Career Path & Progression

You can specialise in areas like agriculture, mining, healthcare, urban planning or military intelligence.

After 3 to 5 years' experience, you can become a GIS analyst or geographic information officer.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Career tips

Many geospatial technicians use specialist software. You could build up your skills and knowledge 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:

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.