GIS Developer

GIS Developer Jargon Buster

Jargon buster for common terms that a GIS developer might encounter:

API: Application Programming Interface. A set of protocols and tools for building software applications.

CAD: Computer-Aided Design. A software tool used for creating and editing technical drawings and plans.

DBMS: Database Management System. A software system for creating and managing databases.

ESRI: Environmental Systems Research Institute. A company that develops GIS software and services.

GIS: Geographic Information System. A computer system designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, and display geographic data.

GPS: Global Positioning System. A satellite-based navigation system used to determine the precise location of an object on the Earth's surface.

JSON: JavaScript Object Notation. A lightweight data interchange format used to transmit data between a server and a web application.

KML: Keyhole Markup Language. A file format used to display geographic data in Google Earth and other earth browsers.

OGC: Open Geospatial Consortium. An international organization that develops and maintains standards for geographic information and services.

SDK: Software Development Kit. A set of tools and libraries that developers can use to build software applications.

WMS: Web Map Service. A standard protocol for delivering geographic data over the internet.

XML: Extensible Markup Language. A markup language used to encode data in a structured format that can be read by both humans and machines.

How to be a GIS Developer

To become a GIS developer, you will typically need to have a strong foundation in GIS concepts and technologies, as well as programming skills. Here are some steps you can follow to start a career as a GIS developer:

1. Start by learning the basics of GIS: GIS involves the use of geographic data to create and analyze maps, so you'll want to familiarize yourself with GIS concepts and technologies. You can do this by taking online courses, reading books or articles about GIS, or attending workshops or conferences.

2. Develop your programming skills: GIS developers often use programming languages such as Python, C#, or JavaScript to create custom applications or automate tasks. You can start learning a programming language by taking online courses or following tutorials.

3. Get hands-on experience: The best way to learn GIS development is to get hands-on experience working with real-world data and projects. You can do this by working on your own projects, participating in hackathons or online challenges, or interning with a GIS development company.

4. Consider earning a degree: While it's not always necessary, having a degree in GIS or a related field can help you stand out in the job market and give you a strong foundation in GIS concepts and technologies. You can earn a degree in GIS at a college or university, or you can pursue an online degree program.

5. Keep learning and stay up-to-date: GIS technologies and best practices are constantly evolving, so it's important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the field. You can do this by reading industry blogs and publications, attending conferences and workshops, and participating in online communities.

GIS Web Developer

A GIS web developer is a professional who specializes in creating and maintaining web-based GIS applications and services. GIS web development involves using programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, or C# to create custom GIS applications that can be accessed and used through a web browser.

As a GIS web developer, you might work on projects such as creating custom mapping applications, integrating GIS data with other systems or databases, or developing custom tools and scripts to automate GIS tasks. You might also work on projects related to geospatial data management, analysis, and visualization.

To become a GIS web developer, you will typically need to have a strong foundation in GIS concepts and technologies, as well as programming skills. You should also be familiar with web development principles and technologies, such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. You can start learning GIS web development by taking online courses or following tutorials, and you can get hands-on experience by working on your own projects or interning with a GIS development company. You might also consider earning a degree in GIS or a related field, or obtaining professional certifications from organizations such as the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC). It's also important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the field by reading industry blogs and publications and attending conferences and workshops.

ArcGIS Developer

ArcGIS developer is someone who specializes in creating custom applications or solutions using the ArcGIS software platform developed by Esri. ArcGIS is a comprehensive GIS software platform that includes a suite of desktop, mobile, and web-based GIS applications. As an ArcGIS developer, you might work on projects such as creating custom mapping applications, integrating ArcGIS with other systems or databases, or developing custom tools and scripts to automate GIS tasks.

To become an ArcGIS developer, you will typically need to have a strong foundation in GIS concepts and technologies, as well as programming skills. You should also be familiar with the ArcGIS software platform and its various applications and tools. You can start learning ArcGIS by taking online courses or following tutorials, and you can get hands-on experience by working on your own projects or interning with an ArcGIS development company. You might also consider earning a degree in GIS or a related field, or obtaining professional certifications from Esri. It's also important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the field by reading industry blogs and publications and attending conferences and workshops.

ArcGIS Web App Builder

Web AppBuilder for ArcGIS is a web-based application development platform developed by Esri. It allows users to create custom mapping applications without needing to write any code. With Web AppBuilder, users can select from a variety of pre-designed templates and widgets, or they can customize their own widgets to create a unique application that meets their specific needs.

Web AppBuilder is included as a part of the ArcGIS platform, and it is accessible through ArcGIS Online or ArcGIS Enterprise. To use Web AppBuilder, you will need to have an ArcGIS account and access to the Web AppBuilder application. You can then use the platform to create and publish custom mapping applications that can be shared with others.

Web AppBuilder is a powerful tool for GIS professionals, developers, and non-technical users who want to create custom mapping applications without needing to have programming skills. It is a user-friendly platform that makes it easy to create and publish interactive, feature-rich mapping applications in a short amount of time.