What do you do if you're a GIS professional stuck in a creative rut?

If you're a GIS professional feeling stuck in a creative rut, try exploring new datasets or techniques to spark inspiration. Experiment with different mapping styles, visualization tools, or GIS software. Engage with the GIS community through forums, conferences, or online groups to exchange ideas and learn from others' experiences. Collaborate on projects with colleagues or participate in hackathons to tackle real-world challenges creatively. For example, you could explore using satellite imagery for urban planning or environmental monitoring, or delve into geospatial analysis for public health or disaster response. Embrace curiosity and keep exploring to reignite your passion for GIS.

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In GIS we have a tendency to get stuck in our data mode and only dealing with GIS solutions for it. Whether that be government, utilities, or environmental solutions. Taking additional coursework, no matter the level can be therapeutic to see GIS used in other solutions.

If you're a GIS professional feeling stuck in a creative rut, try exploring new datasets or techniques to spark inspiration. Experiment with different mapping styles, visualization tools, or GIS software. Engage with the GIS community through forums, conferences, or online groups to exchange ideas and learn from others' experiences. Collaborate on projects with colleagues or participate in hackathons to tackle real-world challenges creatively. For example, you could explore using satellite imagery for urban planning or environmental monitoring, or delve into geospatial analysis for public health or disaster response. Embrace curiosity and keep exploring to reignite your passion for GIS.

Try out some new tools or look at others work and try to mimic it. It's usually fun for folks who like mapping! Browsing tool databases is always a nice trick for more inspiration.

After 25 years of full time GIS professional work, I got retrenched. In South Africa this is a touch place to try find a new role so I found myself going 'back to the bench.' I did some work where I used my depth of experience and applied it to a client that had no digital mapping solution. I did the type of work I did at the beginning of my career. I digitised polygons, built attributes, made maps etc. but all with the 25 years of experience behind me with new tools and software - it went quicker, was more valuable and this quickly moved onto building solutions (the stuff I was good at and did later in my career). It was fun, it was hard and I learned a lot in that process. Never be scared to go 'back to the bench' and start again.

Sharpen your programming skills: If you haven't already, delve into Python scripting or other programming languages commonly used in GIS. This empowers you to automate workflows, create custom geospatial tools, and potentially develop innovative solutions. Explore open-source GIS libraries like GeoPandas and explore how they can streamline your data analysis and visualization tasks.

Well said Kendall. One is only "trapped" if they choose to be. Sometimes you do have to roll up your sleeves and slog through less fun/interesting things, but if that is what it takes to get where you want, why continue to choose to stay where you aren't satisfied with the future? Always be adaptable, humble enough to hear & learn, and make the future you want to be part of!

Motivation only come through acquisition of knowledge in the specific industry of interest. As a GIS professional is advisable to seek know of the latest technologies that can help you stay competitive.

I've taken QGIS courses from the IHE Delft Institute for Water Education. I am currently taking masters courses from the new maps plus program at my undergrad alma mater, the University of Kentucky. Being around new voices and seeing the new tools in action is very inspirational for me.

Engage with colleagues, peers, and experts in the GIS community can really help. Collaborating with others can offer diverse perspectives, brainstorming opportunities, and inspiration to overcome creative blocks.

I've found that the most effective solutions didn't come from one person with one idea. Being inquisitive, asking others about their ideas, digging into the details and where conflicting ideas are occurring, will uncover what really needs to be fixed and where the opportunities are for great GIS solutions. You can only achieve great success by collaborating with others. That means you share the work and more importantly you share the success. If you are preoccupied with getting "credit," you are hurting your future. Celebrate others success and they will give you more ideas and effort that will help you even more. "Be the change that you want to see in the world. "

I always thought that young minds would be the place to go to. I always sought inputs from my own students past or current and each time was helped out. Some of them was always much more than what you could teach them. They have moved around all over the world. GIS problems are not technical issues but also unique social and physical environment issues. Former students are you resources at hand.

Writing articles and participating in conferences are great ways to help one feel like they are contributing and learning from the profession.

Brainstorm with fellow GIS professionals. Bounce ideas off colleagues or participate in online GIS forums to gain fresh perspectives and potential solutions. Consider mentoring junior GIS users or participating in open-source GIS projects. Sharing your knowledge can not only help others but also solidify your own understanding and potentially spark new ideas.

I think a fresh challenge can be just the thing to get your creative waters flowing again, fresh challenges can be a creative game-changer (GeoAI is a perfect example). By looking at problems through a different angles and applying your GIS expertise in new areas, you might just find that creative spark you've been missing. So go forth, explore, and unleash the full potential of your GIS skills. Imagine using AI to identify deforestation patterns or predict flood risks – that's powerful stuff indeed!

GIS is a versatile tool that can be applied to a wide range of topics. It is beneficial to widen current scope and try to bring meaningful solutions in other application areas.

I think a fresh challenge can be just the thing to get your creative waters flowing again, fresh challenges can be a creative game-changer (GeoAI is a perfect example). By looking at problems through a different angles and applying your GIS expertise in new areas, you might just find that creative spark you've been missing. So go forth, explore, and unleash the full potential of your GIS skills. Imagine using AI to identify deforestation patterns or predict flood risks – that's powerful stuff indeed!

Step back and reevaluate your workflow and methodologies. Consider trying alternative approaches or experimenting with different analytical techniques to break out of your creative rut.

Sometimes stop working is the best thing that you can do for yourself. Have some rest, eliminate anxiety. In my case is not uncommon to have new ideas when doing other stuff like driving or having a walk, while my brain is working and imagining something in the background.

When I hit a creative rut in GIS work, I often look online for design inspirations and practical templates from skilled GIS professionals. I also make it a point to follow industry leaders on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. This helps me stay updated on new trends and techniques. Being an active member of GIS communities online also provides valuable feedback on my projects, helping me refine my approach and find new ways to tackle challenges.

When I hit a creative rut in GIS work, I often look online for design inspirations and practical templates from skilled GIS professionals. I also make it a point to follow industry leaders on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. This helps me stay updated on new trends and techniques. Being an active member of GIS communities online also provides valuable feedback on my projects, helping me refine my approach and find new ways to tackle challenges.

I take a nap yes you heard that right You can absolutely tire your mind out. Our body need rest, as does our mind. Getting plenty of sleep is needed to reset your mind. When you're well rested, you're more capable of finding solutions and handling problems (AKA that creative rut). Take a nap if you can. If not, then try to get your sleeping schedule on track to make sure you get plenty of rest. Go to bed earlier that night and make it habit. That way, you're always running on a full night's sleep and ready to tackle whatever may come your way!

Take a break!!! While all of the above listed options are great, in my experience, it is always helpful to step back and take a break from work for a bit to breathe some fresh air. This will help you refresh your mind. I have learned that sometimes, the easiest way to find something that is missing is to stop looking.

In my professional experiences, I haven't found GIS to be a creative avenue. GIS focuses on presenting data to meet end-user requirements, blending science and standards with an element of artistry. While there's a sense of perfection and aesthetics, it's not purely creativity. I prioritize meeting objectives and ensuring data accuracy over seeking creativity. There is still room for innovation and problem-solving within the parameters of data presentation and analysis. Ultimately, the beauty of GIS lies in its ability to effectively communicate complex information and solve real-world problems.

Find something that inspires your creativity and follow it with enthusiasm. This might mean transferring your skills into something that isn't related to GIS.