The planet that we inhabit is a vast place, and with it comes many questions about utilising existing resources for development and urban planning. Increasingly, there have also been efforts to find solutions to urgent climate problems affecting large communities, such as flooding in a city, if the water levels continue to rise due to global warming.
If this interests you, then the study of Geographic Information Science (GIScience) might be just for you!
As a graduate of GIScience, you’ll be equipped with a keen knowledge of how to utilise Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This helps you to work with companies and government agencies to help map out the world and the land for various opportunities.
Curious about how you can navigate different landscapes while addressing the needs of the community? Do you have the desire to help mitigate natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions? Then this could just be the perfect career path to embark on.
As the world continues to face growing climate change challenges and the rush for resources accelerates, companies and agencies require GIScience professionals to help guide their decision-making.
But before you jump on this opportunity, here’s what you need to know about pursuing a degree in Geographic Information Science
What is GIScience (Geographic Information Science)?
GIScience is a fast-growing discipline that combines science, geography, and information technology to understand the landscapes around us better.
This discipline combines computer science, analytical cartography, remote sensing, and imagery science, allowing you to draw in-depth conclusions and insights from datasets. It is a field of science that explores how to understand and utilize geographic data.
It is an evolving science that allows for the advancement of GIS methods and tools used to gather data. As a GIScience professional, you will be exposed to a wide spectrum of studies that includes:
Urban & Regional Planning
This is where you’ll understand how cities are built and how they come together in harmony with the natural environment. These include using GIS tools and methods for site selection, land suitability analysis, planning action areas, and impact assessments.
Cartography
Making accurate maps has become a science in itself. Modern maps require geologic and geotechnical maps, very complex variants. As such, graduates of GIScience will be exposed to cartography and will understand how maps are created and how to use GIS tools to enhance them.
Anthropology
One of the most interesting aspects of GIScience is the study of anthropology, where you will be exposed to the study of human societies, cultures and development. This is essential to better understand the people in the region you are in and factor in how the results of your analysis and conclusions could affect their livelihoods and demographics.
Surveying
Whether you are trying to plan the construction of a new skyscraper or to mark out the land for conservation, an education in GIScience equips you with the tools and knowledge to get the job done. This includes surveying methods using GIS tools to research, develop, and implement the progress of a project, factoring in essential elements such as the environmental impact
Why Should You Pursue Geographic Information Science
The issues of resource development, protection, and climate change are fast becoming essential issues for advancing society.
You will learn cutting-edge knowledge, skills, and abilities to use in the geospatial sciences. This includes how to effectively use geographical information systems and remote sensors for the collection and processing of geospatial data.
Additionally, you will get exposed to a variety of exciting career opportunities that could see you travelling the world or making a direct impact on society!
Work On Exciting Private Sector Projects
One of the biggest opportunities for graduates of GIScience is building a career in the mining and oil, and gas sector.
Using your expertise in GIScience and your training involving GIS, you’ll be able to help companies in the very crucial exploration phase. This includes targeting mineral exploration, evaluating mining conditions, modelling mine construction, and displaying crucial data such as hydrological data.
All this is critical to help companies evaluate the viability of a project, whether it will be financially lucrative or if there are geological constraints that make it impossible to embark on.
Fighting Climate Change
If you decide to help conserve the environment, you can build an exciting and rewarding career as a climate scientist. This is where GIScience comes in.
Your training will help you to gather vast amounts of data and accurately analyse it, allowing you to track environmental problems and investigate the causes.
For example, using geographic data, you could be helping government agencies identify areas that could be at risk of desertification, massive deforestation or rivers that are getting polluted by industries upstream.
Smarter Urban Planning
As an urban planner, your education in GIScience will serve as a great asset in your role. You’ll be able to better understand the current needs of a city and provide advice on how to design a city to fulfil those needs.
Through GIS utilising satellite imagery, aerial photography and remote sensors, you’ll be able to get a lay of the land and understand if an area is suitable to build a metropolis or a small town. Whether a site can smoothly integrate with existing infrastructure or not.
You’ll have a vibrant career, interacting with government agencies, resource experts and planning professionals to help develop a city and make it better for the residents.
With a degree in GIScience, you’ll be able to unlock a career in future-proof industries that will make a direct impact on the lives of people and communities.
Career Opportunities In Geographic Information Science
Upon graduation, you’ll be able to work in various roles across the globe in both the private and public sectors. This will include oil and gas giants, exploration companies, government agencies, and global NGOS.
Geographic Information Science-Related Jobs
Here are some of the career paths and roles that you can expect to embark on:
Cartographer: Creates and updates maps using data from surveys and satellites to help people understand geography, navigation, and planning.
Climatologist: Studies long-term weather patterns to understand climate change, forecast future trends, and support environmental decision-making.
Mining Analyst: Uses mapping tools and data to find valuable minerals underground, helping companies plan safe and efficient mining operations.
Ecologist: Studies how plants, animals, and environments interact, often using maps to track changes and protect natural habitats.
GIS Specialist: Uses special software to collect, analyse, and present geographic data for projects like urban planning or environmental protection.
Meteorologist: Forecasts daily weather and tracks storms using data and satellite images, helping keep people and businesses safe and prepared.
Whether you are looking to build a high-expertise career that will continue to grow, pursuing a degree in Geographic Information Science can be one of the best decisions you can make!
The Geographic Information Science Industry – Salary
In Singapore, an average GIS Analyst earns about $6,161 per month, with most earning between $4,635 and $6,687. These figures come from salaries shared by GIS Analysts on Glassdoor.
A GIS Specialist earns around $50,717 a year, or about $24 an hour, based on data from Salary Expert. Pay can vary depending on your experience and where you work.
Embark On Your Geographic Information Science Career With SIM
Ready to launch an exciting career in Geographic Information Science?
At SIM, our Bachelor of Science (Geographic Information Science), awarded by the University at Buffalo, gives you the skills employers want. Developed with industry experts, our Geographic Information Science courses prepare you for high-demand roles in this fast-growing field.
As one of Singapore’s leading private education institutions, our instructors bring real-world experience to the classroom, ensuring you get practical, job-ready knowledge.
Join a field full of opportunities—GIS professionals work in mapping, urban planning, environmental science, and more.
The University at Buffalo, a top-ranked U.S. public research university, delivers this program with a focus on cutting-edge research and hands-on learning.
Read More: The Most In-Demand Skills Employers are Looking for in Graduates
FAQs
What is an example of a geographic information science application?
An example of a geographic information science application is using satellite data to track the progress of deforestation over time. It helps researchers understand where forests are disappearing and why, so they can plan conservation efforts.
What is the difference between GIS and geographic information science?
GIS is the tool used to collect, store, and analyse location data. Geographic information science is the study of how those tools work and how we use spatial data to solve problems and make better decisions.
What are the 5 main functions of GIS?
The five main functions of GIS are: data collection, data storage, data analysis, data management, and data visualisation. Together, these help users understand patterns, solve problems, and make smart location-based decisions.
