Geographic Information Systems Developer (GIS Developer)
Geographic Information Systems Technologists and TechniciansDescription
Design, build, and maintain GIS applications, services, and spatial databases for web, desktop, and mobile. Develop custom tools, APIs, and automations; perform spatial analysis and data integration; ensure performance, quality, and security; and provide technical guidance and support.
- • Architect, design, and develop GIS applications, services, and tools using languages such as Python, JavaScript, or .NET.
- • Build and deploy web maps and geospatial APIs using platforms like ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcGIS Online, GeoServer, or Mapbox.
- • Design, implement, and optimize spatial databases and schemas in PostGIS, SQL Server, or Oracle Spatial.
- • Develop and automate ETL workflows for geospatial data using Python, FME, or GDAL/OGR.
- • Create, publish, and manage map and feature services, tiles, and vector tiles.
- • Implement spatial analysis algorithms and geoprocessing models to support business and scientific needs.
- • Maintain, refactor, and extend existing GIS codebases and systems.
- • Integrate GPS, remote sensing, and third-party data sources into applications and databases.
- • Ensure cartographic quality and user experience in maps, layers, and data visualizations.
- • Write unit, integration, and performance tests; conduct code reviews and troubleshoot defects.
- • Collaborate with stakeholders to gather requirements and translate them into technical designs.
- • Provide technical support and training to users and team members.
- • Maintain metadata, data lineage, and standards for spatial datasets and services.
- • Manage version control, branching, and releases using Git.
- • Build interactive dashboards and reports integrating spatial and tabular data.
- • Develop offline and mobile GIS capabilities, including synchronization and caching.
- • Implement 3D/4D visualization and analysis where applicable.
- • Prototype and evaluate new GIS frameworks, libraries, and cloud services.
- • Ensure accessibility, cross-browser compatibility, and responsive design for web mapping apps.
- • Design and run QA/QC processes to validate data accuracy, completeness, and currency.
- • Prepare and deliver technical presentations or demos to clients or stakeholders.
- • Plan and execute migrations, upgrades, and patching of GIS software and infrastructure.
- • Apply best practices for logging, observability, and incident response.
- • Stay current with GIS technologies, standards, and industry trends.
- • Comply with organizational and regulatory data governance and privacy requirements.
- • Configure CI/CD pipelines and automate build, test, and deployment processes.
- • Monitor application performance, scalability, and reliability; profile and optimize queries and services.
- • Implement security, authentication, and authorization for GIS apps and services.
- • Document architectures, APIs, data models, and user guides.
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
