What do you do if your GIS skills need improvement?

I agree with what others are saying about learning and doing. I'd add that a huge skill in GIS is design thinking, and learning to tell stories with maps and learning how to bring out the needs of communities is an essential skill to develop. Consider doing a project with a local NGO or charity and use the opportunity to develop stronger interview and design-iteration skills: push the soft skills with the hard ones!

To enhance GIS skills, start by evaluating your proficiency level through online quizzes or courses covering GIS fundamentals. Engage with GIS communities like GIS Stack Exchange for insights and feedback. Identify strengths and weaknesses to establish achievable improvement goals.

Your assessment of your current GIS level could be either vertical or horizontal. GIS has many sub-specializations including cartography, geospatial analysis, spatial data science, Geospatial engineering, GIS development, GIS project management etc. You could be an intermediate geospatial analyst, a beginner GIS engineer and a complete zero in GIS project management all at the same time. Vertical assessment will help you deepen your expertise within a specific area of GIS while horizontal assessment will help you broaden your skillset. This multidimensional assessment will help you enhance your overall capacity within the diverse landscape of the geospatial space.

1. Self-assessment: Reflect on your proficiency in key GIS tools and concepts. 2. Compare against job requirements or industry standards. 3. Seek feedback from peers or mentors. 4. Utilize online assessments or quizzes to gauge understanding. 5. Review past GIS projects for areas of improvement. 6. Identify specific skills or areas needing development. 7. Set measurable goals for skill enhancement. 8. Consider enrolling in GIS training courses or workshops. 9. Practice with GIS software through tutorials or hands-on projects. 10. Regularly assess progress and adjust learning strategies accordingly.

1. Identify specific areas for improvement in GIS skills. 2. Enroll in reputable GIS training courses online or in-person. 3. Practice regularly using GIS software with real-world projects. 4. Utilize online tutorials, forums, and user communities for guidance. 5. Volunteer for GIS-related projects within your organization. 6. Seek mentorship from experienced GIS professionals. 7. Attend GIS workshops, seminars, and conferences for networking and learning. 8. Read GIS textbooks, reference books, and research publications. 9. Experiment with diverse datasets to broaden your skills. 10. Consider pursuing GIS certifications for validation and credibility.

My perspective on learning from others to enhance GIS skills: Engage in Online Communities: - Actively participate in GIS forums, where I share challenges, seek advice, and learn from fellow professionals. Attend Conferences and Webinars: - Regularly attend industry events to stay updated on trends, network with experts, and gain fresh insights. Collaborate with Colleagues: - Exchange knowledge within my team, encouraging cross-learning and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Learn from Case Studies: - Analyze successful GIS projects, understanding their methodologies and applying relevant strategies. Mentorship: - Seek mentorship from seasoned GIS practitioners, benefiting from their experience and practical wisdom.

1) Join online communities and forums. 2) Attend webinars, workshops, and conferences. 3) Seek mentorship from experienced professionals. 4) Collaborate on projects with peers. 5) Follow influential GIS blogs and social media accounts.

One thing I've found useful is learning from the real owners of a particular geospatial skill. What does this mean? If you wish to learn GIS development for example don't go and take GIS development courses. Instead take traditional/conventional software development courses. Be a software developer before becoming a GIS developer. Likewise for cartography. Be a graphic designer, storyteller and infographic designer before becoming a cartographer. Afterall you would take these courses if you went to study cartography in a university/college. While this is a long approach, it gives you an incredible understanding and ability to solve novel problems from first principle.

Expand GIS skills by engaging with experienced professionals and communities. Join online forums, blogs, and social media groups for insights. Attend webinars, workshops, and conferences to network and learn from presentations. This fosters knowledge growth and introduces innovative techniques and perspectives.

1. Engage with GIS communities or forums to connect with experienced practitioners. 2. Attend GIS user group meetings, conferences, or webinars. 3. Participate in workshops or training sessions led by GIS experts. 4. Seek mentorship from experienced GIS professionals. 5. Collaborate on GIS projects with colleagues or peers. 6. Follow influential GIS blogs, podcasts, or social media accounts for insights. 7. Join online study groups or forums dedicated to GIS learning. 8. Volunteer for GIS-related projects to gain practical experience. 9. Network with professionals in the GIS field for knowledge exchange. 10. Ask questions and actively listen to advice from seasoned GIS practitioners.

Curate Real-World Challenges: - Seek out problems or questions that resonate with you. Maybe it’s optimizing emergency response routes or mapping urban green spaces. Diverse Data Sources: - Explore datasets from various domains: environmental, social, economic. For instance, analyze air quality trends or visualize population density shifts. Collaborate: - Engage with colleagues or online communities. Collaborative projects foster creativity and expose you to different approaches. StoryMaps: - Use Esri StoryMaps to weave narratives around your maps. It’s not just about data; it’s about telling compelling stories.

Enhance GIS proficiency by tackling real-world projects that intrigue you. Utilize platforms like Kaggle, ArcGIS Online, or Esri StoryMaps for datasets and inspiration. Through hands-on practice, you'll apply skills, innovate solutions, and build a portfolio highlighting your capabilities.

1) Tackle real-world projects that interest you. 2) Utilize platforms like Kaggle and ArcGIS Online. 3) Apply skills to solve practical problems. 4) Create a portfolio showcasing project outcomes. 5) Experiment with different datasets and tools.

As with anything, practice solidifies skills. This is particularly important in a software environment such as GIS. If you learned GIS years ago, a lot of things might be different now. It's important to know the theory of something and its practical implementation. The theory stays intact over time; the practical implementation might shift. We talk about the analogy to riding a bike: you never forget that once you learn, but your conditioning might not be so great if you don't ride a bike for a decade.

Spend more time with the GIS app you use and understand the basics in GIS. Map projections, spatial data types, the app tools, etc. Also learn from experienced GIS professionals in the industry and gain skills and knowledge.

Collaborate with Peers: - Regularly discuss projects with colleagues, sharing insights and learning from their approaches. Mentorship: - Seek guidance from experienced mentors who can provide constructive criticism and suggest alternative methods. User Feedback: - Engage with end-users to understand pain points and areas for enhancement. Online Communities: - Participate in GIS forums, where diverse perspectives can enrich your understanding. Reflect and Adapt: - Analyze past work, identify weaknesses, and adapt based on lessons learned.

1) Share work with peers and mentors. 2) Request constructive criticism. 3) Actively listen and incorporate suggestions. 4) Participate in peer review sessions. 5) Utilize online platforms for crowdsourced evaluation.

1. Share GIS work with peers or mentors for constructive criticism. 2. Request feedback on specific aspects of GIS projects or analyses. 3. Participate in peer review sessions or collaborative projects. 4. Attend workshops or training sessions offering personalized feedback. 5. Seek evaluation from supervisors or instructors to identify areas for improvement. 6. Actively listen to feedback and incorporate suggestions into future work. 7. Utilize online platforms or forums for crowdsourced evaluation. 8. Join GIS communities where members provide mutual feedback. 9. Welcome feedback as an opportunity for growth rather than criticism. 10. Regularly seek evaluation to track progress and refine skills.

Continuous Learning: - I dedicate time each week to learn something new. Whether it’s attending webinars, reading research papers, or exploring online courses, staying informed is crucial. Networking: - I actively engage with other professionals at conferences, forums, and industry events. These interactions spark fresh ideas and keep me connected to the pulse of GIS. Experimentation: - I encourage my team to experiment with new tools and techniques. Sometimes, the best learning comes from hands-on exploration. Cross-Disciplinary Insights: - I draw inspiration from related fields like remote sensing, machine learning, and urban planning. These interdisciplinary connections enrich my GIS perspective.

1) Follow GIS news, blogs, and social media. 2) Attend industry events and training sessions. 3) Explore new software and tools. 4) Read research papers and case studies. 5) Network with professionals for insights and experiences.

1. Stay updated on GIS trends, technologies, and best practices through online resources. 2. Follow industry blogs, forums, and social media for new developments. 3. Attend webinars, conferences, and workshops to expand knowledge. 4. Engage in continuous learning through online courses and certifications. 5. Explore new GIS software and tools to broaden skillset. 6. Read research papers and case studies to understand real-world applications. 7. Network with GIS professionals to exchange insights and experiences. 8. Experiment with innovative GIS projects to fuel curiosity and creativity. 9. Challenge assumptions and explore alternative approaches in GIS work. 10. Cultivate a mindset of lifelong learning to adapt to evolving GIS landscapes.

Read books, research papers, and industry publications to stay updated on the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in GIS.

Se n?o fosse a curiosidade o ser humano, n?o teria descoberto o fogo, imagina atualmente, num mundo V.U.C.A., quem n?o for curioso hoje, amanh? pode ser tarde, pois outros v?o estar na sua frente já.

As a GIS professional, I believe in constantly refining our skills to stay ahead. To enhance GIS expertise, I suggest a focused approach: seek specialized training, tap into mentorship networks, engage in practical projects, and stay updated on industry trends. By embracing these strategies, GIS professionals can continuously improve and excel in their careers.

1) Explore specialized fields within GIS. 2) Utilize company upskilling programs. 3) Connect with employers for specific skill development. 4) Engage in interdisciplinary projects. 5) Prioritize practical application alongside theoretical knowledge.

Further considerations: ~ Familiarize yourself with a variety of data sources commonly used in GIS, such as satellite imagery, LiDAR data, GPS data, and public datasets. Understanding how to acquire, preprocess, and integrate diverse datasets will expand your capabilities as a GIS professional. ~ In addition to technical proficiency, cultivate essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and project management. Strong soft skills complement your GIS abilities and contribute to effective collaboration and success in multidisciplinary environments.