My role as a GIS Analyst generally consists of capturing, managing and quality-assuring geospatial data to support clients and colleagues. Insight is added to the data through spatial analysis, interrogation and mapping to inform decision making process.
One of my favourite projects thus far has been the development of a large road scheme where I worked with ecologists, engineers, heritage experts and other disciplines. My main task was working with ecologists to create bat and badger surveys, which would allow them to go out into the field and collect data on devices such as a phones or tablets. This eliminates the need for paper surveys which could end up getting lost or soggy and the tedious process of writing everything up when back in the office. These kinds of surveys are extremely important in assessing the impact a development may have on local flora and fauna, and if there are any alternative actions that can be taken to protect them.
Was there a definitive moment that steered you towards a career in the geospatial industry?
When undertaking my masters, I was inspired by one of my lecturers who had tirelessly worked on using geospatial data and analyses to identify water bodies where anopheles mosquitoes were likely to breed. Work like that is helping eradicate malaria for good from certain areas. The potential uses of GIS made me want to start a career in it.
Geospatial techniques have played a role in a number of recent high-profile stories, but GIS remains an unsung hero. For example, GIS was used to help choose the landing site for the Mars Perseverance Rover. High-resolution imagery from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter was used to allowing NASA to make better, more informed decisions choosing the Jezero Crater out of 30 potential landing sites. This is a great example of GIS in action, and with travel to Mars unlikely for quite a few years yet, geospatial experts will also have a role to play in analysing the data returned by the Orbiter. Stories like this show that the geospatial industry is here to stay, and will be a critical part of our digital future revitalising infrastructure, achieving sustainability goals and transforming how the value we can get from data.
If you’re interested in a career in an industry that is expanding, that can bring together practically anything - climate change, hydrology, forestry, biodiversity, coastal change, consultancy, epidemiology etc, then you should definitely consider learning about GIS. There are many amazing open source GIS software you can download to get started and lots of help online. It’s a great digital skill to learn.
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
10/02/2024
Summary
In the rapidly evolving world of energy, having the right foundation in nuclear and net zero energy is crucial. AtkinsRéalis stands at the forefront of this sector, offering abundant opportuniti
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
10/01/2024
Summary
We interviewed Turki Ghesheyan on his experience with the AtkinsRéalis Saudi Graduate Program. Tell us a little bit about yourself My name is Turki, I am an Architectural Engineer who graduated from
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/30/2024
Summary
At AtkinsRéalis, we have a team of local, regional, and international experts in the UAE who are dedicated to delivering innovative solutions in the market to meet the needs of our clients. The UAE i
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/30/2024
Summary
Hello, my name is Sherif, and I work at AtkinsRéalis in London. As a principal fire engineer, I'm proud to "engineer a better future" every day here, specifically as our work relates to shaping
Preview
EuropeContent type
ProjectsPublish date
09/30/2024
Summary
Hinkley Point C (HPC) is the first nuclear power station to be built in the UK since the 1990s. Technically complex and the country’s largest infrastructure project – our talented people from
Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/30/2024
Summary
Hi! I'm Alina, an associate director specialized in transport infrastructure engineering. I lead the North-West Estimating team in Project & Programme Services here in Manchester. Over the past
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/27/2024
Summary
Across the evolving landscape of the Middle East, Architects play a large part in designing and planning complex building structures that are in line with groundbreaking innovation. The constructio
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/24/2024
Summary
In the fast-paced world of consultancy, architecture, and project management, the need for forward-thinking leadership and innovative strategies has never been more critical. At AtkinsRéalis, we
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/13/2024
Summary
Hello, my name is Dilini! Two years ago, after completing my doctorate in structural fire engineering, I began practicing in the UK fire engineering industry. I'm proud to have contributed
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/12/2024
Summary
Career prospects in the aviation industry in the Middle East are promising at present with further growth expected in the coming years. Some prominent Dubai aviation engineering projects include
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/12/2024
Summary
The 2034 FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia and the 2027 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup are both set to take place in the bustling and evolving KSA. The AFC Asian Cup 2027 will mark th
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/10/2024
Summary
In the competitive landscape of career opportunities, it's essential to learn from industry insiders who have navigated the complexities of talent acquisition and recruitment. One such expert is
