GIS and Map Professions
GIS Specialists/Analysts
The GIS (Geographic Information Systems) profession is a dynamic field that integrates technology, geography, and data analysis to understand spatial relationships. GIS professionals utilize specialized software and tools to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, and visualize geographic data, ranging from maps and satellite imagery to demographic information and environmental patterns. They play crucial roles across various industries, including urban planning, environmental management, disaster response, and public health.
Map Librarianship
Map librarians provide reference and research services for print and digital maps as well as other cartographic resources. Map librarians contribute to the curation and preservation of map collections. As stewards of geospatial data, they possess expertise in cataloging, digitization, and geospatial metadata standards, facilitating the organization and retrieval of geographic information across diverse formats and platforms. Map librarians also offer specialized reference services, assisting patrons in navigating spatial data, interpreting maps, and conducting geographical research.
Professional Organizations
The New York State GIS Association is an association for GIS professionals in New York State. NYSGIS hosts an annual conference, regular professional development events, and a job board. It is free for students to join.
The North American Cartographic Information Society (NACIS) is a professional organization for cartographers and other GIS professionals focused on map design. NACIS hosts an annual conference and publishes Cartographic Perspectives, a free journal featuring creative research in cartography and geographic visualization. NACIS also offers a mentor program for students and early-career professionals, undergraduate scholarships in cartography, and student map competitions. Student memberships are available for $20 for one year.
The American Association of Geographers is a professional association for academics and research-oriented practitioners. New York is part of the regional chapter Middle States Division.
The Cartography and Geographic Information Society (CaGIS) is a professional association for cartographers and GIScientists. CaGIS hosts an annual conference publishes the journal Cartography and Geographic Information Science.
The Open Geospatial Consortium is a professional organization that maintains several open source data products, and sets international
technical standards for data and metadata formatting.