The Future Looks Bright for Spatial Thinkers

<p>Many industries have suffered during the current economic downturn.  So why
is it that during this same period, demand for geospatial technology
professionals has grown significantly?  </p>
<p>I think that this trend is due to the growing understanding of the value of
spatial information and analysis.  There are many reasons to implement GIS, but
the benefits that we see driving organizations in lean times are cost savings
resulting from greater efficiency.  And as we come out of this economic
downturn, the efficiencies realized from GIS will become a standard way of doing
business, so the need for geospatial professionals will increase even more. </p>
<p>Government has long been at the forefront of this movement, and there will be
opportunities here for people with geospatial knowledge, most notably in the
area of homeland security and in anything to do with increased transparency and
accountability. But we’re now seeing a huge shift in momentum in the commercial
arena.  Many of the future career opportunities for geospatial professionals
will be in the private sector, as businesses increasingly realize the benefits
that government has understood for some time.  </p>
<p>The current high unemployment rate is sending a lot of experienced workers
“back to school” to learn new skills more relevant for the 21st century
workplace. This is one factor driving the growth of focused geospatial programs
at universities and community colleges, both at the degree level and the
certificate level.  These programs are doing a great service by training the
geospatial workforce of tomorrow. They are also providing many opportunities for
seasoned geospatial professionals to take on new roles themselves—passing on
their vast knowledge by instructing and teaching the next generation of
geospatial professionals.</p>
<p><img src="http://blogs.esri.com/Info/photos/esriinsider/images/13183/original.aspx" width="500" height="339"/><br/><i>As the reach of spatial information expands, new
opportunities are created for spatial thinkers in many areas.</i></p>
<p>But the career opportunities here are not just for the people who sit in
front of keyboards and “do GIS”. It’s much bigger than that.  I think that the
real growth opportunity is in the area of spatial thinking.  As people in all
types of positions become more familiar with the value of geography, they begin
to ask more intelligent questions about the world, and they begin to make more
informed decisions. The coming opportunities for spatial thinkers will be even
greater than those we are seeing for geospatial technology
professionals.<br/></p>
<p>By <a href="http://blogs.esri.com/Info/blogs/esri-insider/pages/jack-dangermond.aspx">Jack
Dangermond</a><br/></p>