Geoscience Australia

Home > Future Careers > Geoscience Australia > About the Careers - Spatial Scientist

Spatial Scientist

What is a Spatial Scientist?

A spatial scientist at Geoscience Australia creates maps and computer images to show natural and man-made features of the landscape. Spatial scientists use information from satellite images, aerial photos and hand-held GPS systems to create these maps with geographic information systems software.

Describe an average day in the job.

An average day involves checking the data on a particular area, including existing maps, satellite images and aerial photographs, and then entering this into a computer program. Once the data has been entered, a map or computer image of the area can be created to show information as varied as roads, vegetation types, or where earthquakes have occurred.

What sort of study and training do you need to undertake?

Most spatial scientists at Geoscience Australia have completed university degrees in subjects ranging from computer studies to physical and human geography. There is also a lot of on-the-job training available because a spatial scientist may need to learn new computer programs that relate to each project or map.

Is there likely to be any travel involved in the job?

Spatial scientists travel on field trips to check that the maps or data they are using are correct. This involves travelling to certain features, such as a house, road or rock outcrop and using a GPS to check that the map coordinates are correct. Spatial scientists at Geoscience Australia can travel all around Australia.

Is there a career path available?

Spatial scientists at Geoscience Australia have lots of opportunities to develop further in their career. There are opportunities to change projects and learn new skills depending on your interests.