Geographic Information Systems Scientist or Technician |
Job description:
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GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS) SPECIALISTS work with related software and programs to create and maintain data and/or maps that can be combined with geographically referenced data. GIS software has the capacity to integrate and relate different types of data such as socioeconomic, demographic, administrative or political boundaries, land use, land cover, environmental, infrastructure, and transportation networks. Satellite imagery is increasingly used in agricultural applications for a variety of purposes.
GIS Specialists should be analytical with strong mathematical skills. Knowledge of and interest in geography is also important, while confidence using computer systems is a boon.
TASKS
- Create maps and graphs, using GIS software and related equipment.
- Conduct Research to locate and obtain existing databases.
- Gather, analyze, and integrate spatial data from staff and determine how best the information can be displayed using GIS.
- Compile geographic data from a variety of sources including censuses, field observation, satellite imagery, aerial photographs, and existing maps.
- Analyze spatial data for geographic statistics to incorporate into documents and reports.
- Enter new map data through use of a digitizer or by direct input of coordinate information using the principles of cartography including coordinate systems, longitude, latitude, elevation, topography, and map scales.
- Analyze geographic relationships among varying types of data.
- Develop models which allow “what-if?” scenarios to assist planners to decide between options.
- Operate and maintain GIS system hardware, software, plotter, digitizer, color printer, and video camera.
- Retrieve stored maps.
Source: Occupational Guide
For more information: Geo-Information Society of South Africa
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| Study: |
Specialist Scientist: Post graduate degree in specialist field with a strong GIS background.
University of Cape Town Department of Geomatics
University of Stellenbosch Department of Geography and Enivronmental Studies
University of the Western Cape Deparment of Environmental Sciences
GIS Technician: Technical degree or Diploma with subjects such as GIS, geography, cartography and survey |
| Soil Scientist (also Pedologist) |
Job description:
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Soil scientists advise on the correct management and best use of soil and land.
Soil scientists should be analytical, hardworking and persistent. They need to be good at interpreting scientific results and solving problems. An eye for detail, accuracy and a methodical work manner is important. In terms of knowledge, soil scientists need to have a strong background in physics, chemistry, biology, geology and maths. Good communication skills and the interest to keep up-to-date with the industry’s latest developments will be useful. A genuine concern for the environment and an understanding of sustainable development and land conflict issues is essential. The physical requirements of the job dictate that soil scientists should be relatively fit.
The job of a soil scientist includes collection of soil data, consultation, investigation, evaluation, interpretation, planning or inspection relating to soil science. This career includes many different assignments and involves making recommendations about many resource areas.
TASKS
- Studying soil origins and composition
- Investigating soil problems and water quality
- Studying nutrient movements from soil to atmosphere and water systems
- Studying the biological, physical and chemical activity of soil
- Advising on irrigation, drainage and waste disposal issues
- Advising on how to restoring and maintaining land
- Advising on land resource issues
Source: My Career Path handbook
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| Study: |
B. Agric with Soil Science as a major. Preferably a post-graduate qualification.
University of Stellenbosch Department of soil science
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