Geographic Information Systems Technicians Career in South Africa
Explore the official OFO occupation, common tasks, specialisations and approved South African qualification pathways.
Occupation overview
Assists scientists, technologists, or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information system (GIS) databases. May also perform some custom application development or provide user support.
What does a Geographic Information Systems Technicians do?
Geographic Information Systems Technicians help build, maintain and update GIS databases used to organise and work with location-based information. They may support GIS professionals, develop customised applications and assist users with technical problems.
Specialisations
How to become a Geographic Information Systems Technicians in South Africa
- Build a foundation in information technology, GIS databases and technical user support.
- Consider the Further Education and Training Certificate: Information Technology: Systems Development (NQF level 4) as a relevant training pathway.
- Consider a Higher Certificate in Information Systems, a Higher Certificate in Information Technology in Information Systems, a Higher Certificate: Information Systems - Open Source, or the National Higher Certificate: Financial Information Systems, all at NQF level 5.
- Develop practical ability in maintaining, modifying and using GIS databases, as well as supporting users and working with customised applications.
- Confirm current qualification, provider and assessment details with SAQA or an accredited provider before enrolling.
Edupstairs Preparation Guidance
The listed qualifications provide relevant information-systems and systems-development preparation for this career. Because GIS work combines geographic information with technology, look for opportunities to practise database work, application support and clear communication with users. Verify current course availability and entry details with the relevant provider.
Useful school subjects
- Geography
- Computer Applications Technology
- Information Technology
- Mathematics
Skills that may help
- Building and maintaining GIS databases
- Modifying and using geographic information systems
- Supporting scientists, technologists and other professionals
- Custom application development
- Technical user support
- Database and information-systems problem-solving
- Clear communication with system users