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GIS Technologist

Technology

Assist scientists or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems (GIS) databases. May also perform some custom application development or provide user support.

You can enter this career straight after SPM. A degree is optional, not required.

Computer ScienceArchitecture & Built Environment

What you'd do all day

The tasks that matter most in this job, most important first.

  1. 1Produce data layers, maps, tables, or reports, using spatial analysis procedures or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, equipment, or systems.
  2. 2Design or prepare graphic representations of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data, using GIS hardware or software applications.
  3. 3Maintain or modify existing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases.
  4. 4Provide technical expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to clients or users.
  5. 5Perform computer programming, data analysis, or software development for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications, including the maintenance of existing systems or research and development for future enhancements.
  6. 6Enter data into Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases, using techniques such as coordinate geometry, keyboard entry of tabular data, manual digitizing of maps, scanning or automatic conversion to vectors, or conversion of other sources of digital data.
  7. 7Review existing or incoming data for currency, accuracy, usefulness, quality, or completeness of documentation.
  8. 8Perform geospatial data building, modeling, or analysis, using advanced spatial analysis, data manipulation, or cartography software.
  9. 9Design or coordinate the development of integrated Geographic Information Systems (GIS) spatial or non-spatial databases.
  10. 10Perform integrated or computerized Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analyses to address scientific problems.
  11. 11Select cartographic elements needed for effective presentation of information.
  12. 12Provide technical support to users or clients regarding the maintenance, development, or operation of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases, equipment, or applications.
  13. 13Collect, compile, or integrate Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data, such as remote sensing or cartographic data for inclusion in map manuscripts.
  14. 14Interpret aerial or ortho photographs.
  15. 15Meet with clients to discuss topics such as technical specifications, customized solutions, or operational problems.
  16. 16Document, design, code, or test Geographic Information Systems (GIS) models, internet mapping solutions, or other applications.
  17. 17Create, analyze, report, convert, or transfer data, using specialized applications program software.
  18. 18Confer with users to analyze, configure, or troubleshoot applications.
  19. 19Design, program, or model Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications or procedures.
  20. 20Develop specialized computer software routines, internet-based Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases, or business applications to customize geographic information.
  21. 21Make recommendations regarding upgrades, considering implications of new or revised Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, equipment, or applications.
  22. 22Assist users in formulating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) requirements or understanding the implications of alternatives.
  23. 23Create visual representations of geospatial data, using complex procedures such as analytical modeling, three-dimensional renderings, or plot creation.
  24. 24Transfer or rescale information from original photographs onto maps or other photographs.
  25. 25Prepare training materials for, or make presentations to, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) users.
  26. 26Apply three-dimensional (3D) or four-dimensional (4D) technologies to geospatial data to allow for new or different analyses or applications.

Also known as

What this job is called on JobStreet, LinkedIn and in job ads. Search these too.

  • GIS Analyst
  • GIS Developer
  • GIS Consultant
  • GIS Geographer
  • GIS Specialist
  • GIS Technician
  • GPS Technician
  • GIS Coordinator
  • Imagery Analyst
  • GIS Technologist

How far is this from you?

Roughly how much preparation this job usually takes. In Malaysia your UPU route and the programme's syarat still decide entry, so treat this as a guide, not a gate.

  1. 1

    Entry straight after SPM

  2. 2

    SPM + sijil / short TVET course

  3. Typical entry

    Diploma / TVET (sijil–diploma)

  4. 4

    Degree (ijazah sarjana muda)

  5. 5

    Postgrad (sarjana / PhD) or professional route

Subjects that matter here

The SPM subjects worth your effort for this career, with the reason for each.

GeographyDraws directly on Geography — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
Computer Science / ICTDraws directly on Computers and Electronics — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
Electrical & Electronic Eng. StudiesDraws directly on Computers and Electronics — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
EnglishDraws directly on English Language — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
Additional MathematicsDraws directly on Mathematics — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).

What you'd need to know

The subject areas this job leans on most, and the SPM subjects that build them.

  • Geography94%

    Geography

  • Computers and Electronics90%

    Computer Science / ICTElectrical & Electronic Eng. Studies

  • English Language81%

    English

  • Mathematics78%

    Additional MathematicsMathematics

  • Design68%

    Visual Art (PSV)Technical Comm. GraphicsEngineering Drawing

  • Customer and Personal Service63%

Tools you'd use

Software and equipment that show up in this job, worth learning early.

Where to learn these, free

Scholarships & funding

What the work feels like

Day-to-day working conditions, so you can tell whether the job suits how you like to work.

  • Face-to-face discussionsEvery day
  • Contact with other peopleConstant contact
  • Dealing with customers or the publicA little
  • Leading or coordinating othersHigh
  • Handling conflict situationsRarely
  • Indoors, air-conditionedEvery day
  • Outdoors, in all weatherAlmost never
  • Noisy environmentAlmost never

AI and demand for this job

A few real, dated data points — not a single score. AI making some tasks faster usually means a job changes, not that it disappears.

24%

Share of everyday tasks today's AI can already help with (2023)

This estimate is from 2023 — already out of date, since AI moves fast. Treat it as a rough, aging starting point, not the current picture.

0.97%

Of Malaysian Claude conversations, about this kind of work

Measures how much people use Claude for this work, not how many Malaysians do this job — and more AI use can mean people relying on it, not that it's replacing them.

Growing role in the US

US Bureau of Labor Statistics data, not Malaysian. Shown because it's the only forward-looking demand estimate we have for this job.

Pay in Malaysia

We don't have a sourced Malaysian salary range for this job yet, and we'd rather show nothing than a number we can't stand behind.

Where to check:

  • JobStreet and Hiredly job ads for this title
  • DOSM Salaries & Wages Survey
  • SSPA scheme tables, if you're aiming for a government post

Check what you may qualify for

Enter your SPM grades and see which routes and programmes you may qualify for. An estimate to plan with, not an offer.

Check my eligibility Not sure yet? Take the quiz

How to get here

Post-SPM pathways with programmes in this career's fields. Tap one to see real programmes and entry requirements.

Asasi / Foundation

One-year runway into a specific university: public via UPU or private direct entry.

12 months

Diploma

Skill-first qualification. Work after, or enter degree Year 2. Polytechnics keep it affordable.

2.5–3 years

Related careers

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About this information

This describes what the job involves. Pay, demand and entry routes differ in Malaysia, so check the Pathways and Programmes pages for local requirements.

O*NET occupation: Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians

Job responsibilities, knowledge areas and work context from O*NET 30.3, US Department of Labor, used under CC BY 4.0. onetcenter.org