Geographic Information Systems (GIS), sometimes referred to as computer mapping, offers GIS consulting firms economic opportunities across a variety of disciplines. GIS is an important tool in environmental studies, urban planning, transportation, public works, public safety, demographics and marketing. GIS analysis can be as simple as clicking on a parcel to determine the property owner, street address or acreage, or it can perform more advanced analysis, such as identifying properties located within a floodplain for a specified geographic area.

Methods by which individuals can receive GIS Consultants Education and Training include:

1. Becoming certified in GIS

2. Earning a degree in GIS

3. Reading GIS-related publications

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Earn a GIS certification and become qualified for GIS consulting opportunities

Open the door to GIS consultancy by completing GIS certification coursework, which will enable you to work as a private GIS consultant or seek employment with a GIS consulting business.

I recommend: The University of North Carolina Wilmington and the Eastern Connecticut State University offer curriculum that enables students to earn a GIS certification upon program completion.

Complete your GIS consultants education and training by earning a degree in GIS from a college

An increasing number of institutions of higher learning are offering degree and graduate programs in GIS. The curriculum offered to students can provide insight as to how GIS is instrumental in environmental, public safety and urban planning applications.

I recommend: Arizona State University’s School of Geographical Sciences and the George Mason University Department of Geography and Earth Science offer bachelor's degree and graduate programs in GIS.

Remain up to date on GIS consulting services and technology by reading GIS -related publications.

GIS-related publications are an effective way to remain current on not only GIS applications but also on the latest in GIS technology. One can utilize information provided in GIS-related publications to not only increase personal knowledge, but to also gain insight as to how others are using GIS technology and in turn enhance and expand their own geographic information system consulting services. These publications may also provide information on employment opportunities for the geographic information system consultant.

I recommend: ESRI, whose GIS software is the one most used by GIS consulting firms, offers a variety of GIS publications designed to keep the GIS specialist up to date on the latest the field of GIS. GISCafe is an online publication that enables subscribers to receive the latest in GIS technology, notice of GIS events and GIS employment opportunities. GeoPlace also offers online subscriptions to GeoWorld, a GIS magazine, and GeoReport, an online newsletter. In addition, GeoPlace provides GIS consulting firms the opportunity to advertise in their GeoDirectory.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Trade shows provide an excellent opportunity for GIS consulting companies to not only network, recruit business and hire GIS specialists through onsite interviews, but also gain to insight on the latest in GIS applications and technology.

GIS consultants develop solutions that maximize operational efficiency by mapping data in a visual context. A GIS consultant analyst captures and maps data from multiple sources, resulting in the visual delivery of electronic data. From initial assessment to project completion, GIS consultant companies offer a range of consulting services for planning, developing, implementing and integrating GIS applications. With vast technological and geographic expertise, a GIS expert has the knowledge, skills and experience to help clients achieve their GIS business goals.

Before beginning your search for GIS consultant firms, it is important to define your consulting needs. Clearly identify the goal of your GIS consultancy, including project scope, services needed, time frame and budget. This information will help you select the best GIS specialist to meet your specific needs.

When selecting a GIS consulting business for your organization, research each consulting firm and evaluate the following:

1. What kind of experience do the Geographic Information System consulting firms have in developing GIS solutions for your industry or business sector?

2. What analysis, planning, design and support services do the GIS consulting companies provide to enhance your business profitability and efficiency?

3. How much should your business invest in GIS consulting services?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Hire GIS consultants that specialize in your industry

Select a geographic information system consultant who is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in your industry. Ask to see a list of past and present clients, and request references.

I recommend: Ferguson-Jenkins and Associates specializes in GIS consulting services for public utilities and government, and has worked with organizations like the Nashville Electric Service, Dyess Air Force Base, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Woodford Humane Society. Ubisense Consulting has experience in the electric, gas, water, wastewater, municipal, communications, oil and academic industries, and offers an online client list. Geographic Technologies Group, a GIS consulting firm specializing in local government, has more than 700 clients across the U.S. and features clients geographically by project type.

Choose GIS consulting firms with proven skills

Review the services offered by each GIS consulting business. Evaluate each firm's experience, qualifications and certifications, and request successful project examples similar in scope to your upcoming project.

I recommend: Elroi Consulting, Inc. offers GIS implementation consulting, project management, software design and software development. Lovell Johns provides a comprehensive menu of GIS services and offers online case studies illustrating client success stories. Anderson & Associates offers GIS design, database and map automation services customized to meet each client's specific needs.

Select GIS consulting services that meet your budget

Many GIS consulting firms operate on a project-based or hourly fee, while other utilize a retainer with reduced hourly fees for long-term clients. Your GIS consulting rates will depend upon the scope of your services.

I recommend: Exosphere 3D, a company that specializes in integrating muti-dimensional data sources, operates through an hourly billing rate plus expenses. Get a GIS project estimate at EI Technologies, an international GIS consulting firm.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before signing a contract with a GIS consulting firm, ask about the firm's ability to train your current employees to effectively use the GIS system. A reliable implementation of GIS technology should include a program to train and educate your employees. Find out if the GIS consultants offer training customized to your specific user requirements, and what software certifications they offer, like ESRI Arcview or ArcGIS.

A Geographic Information System, or GIS, is a great tool for any of today's businesses that have material assets or equipment. GIS allows for building automated maps to track business assets or for other research and development goals. GIS is versatile and it's a powerful new technology, and more and more businesses, including larger corporations and public works agencies for municipalities and government, are hiring GIS professionals to help get GIS solutions implemented.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Retainer agreement

The retainer is a fee that a business agrees to pay a consultant on the outset to get him or her on board. This kind of fee is common within industries, including GIS consulting.

I recommend: Take a look at a simple retainer agreement on DocStoc to get more detail on what a retainer might look like.

GIS system

A GIS is a computer system that analyzes geographic information. One of the main things a business will need to know when talking to a consultant is exactly what its GIS system will be like. GIS has a versatility in application, and buyers should know how GIS will work for their shop.

I recommend: Get a lot of details on what a GIS system is and how it works at What is GIS.

GISCI and GISP

A 'GIS Professional' is a GIS worker who has been certified by the 'GIS Cerification Institute' (GISCI). The institute has a copyright on these terms and when they appear, they represent the legitimate stamp of approval by this agency for ensuring that GIS professionals (GISP) are properly trained and credentialed.

I recommend: Find out more at the GISCI site.

GIS Certificate

In addition to the GISCI, there's a number of schools that provide students with other GIS certifications.

I recommend: Take a look at the Degree Directory to find out how GIS professionals get trained, and how certification might come through a different avenue than direct application to the GISCI.

Map automation

One of the common services performed by GIS consultants is map automation. This kind of process helps 'link' business assets to a centralized system where they can be tracked and monitored over time.

I recommend: See a good overview of map automation at this IBM page.

GIS consultant billing rates

Another common idea that businesses will want to research is the 'fee schedules' or billing rates of GIS consulting companies. Some companies will charge per hour, others per project and others a mix of the two. Some use 'multipliers' of a salary base to calculate fees.

I recommend: Take a look at some info on what GIS consultants might generally charge at Directions.