What do you do if automation and artificial intelligence threaten your GIS career?

Adopting an open mindset toward innovation enables you to identify areas within your field where your human expertise complements the strengths of technology. While AI excels at data analysis, your interpretative skills and capacity to provide context are indispensable for meaningful decision-making processes. By embracing this symbiotic relationship between human expertise and technological advancements, you can navigate the evolving landscape of GIS with confidence and resilience.

Consider upskilling in fields like data analysis, interpretation, and problem-solving where human expertise complements technology, if automation and AI threaten your GIS profession. To stay current, investigate new developments in GIS, such as machine learning and spatial analytic methods. Lastly, adjust by specializing in specialized fields where human judgment and comprehension are still vital.

To enhance your GIS career amidst the challenges of automation and AI, focus on integrating AI and machine learning to improve spatial analysis, develop programming skills for customizing GIS software, and adopt data science techniques for advanced data handling. Engage with big data technologies and statistical models to manage large datasets efficiently. Additionally, contribute to the GIS community by sharing insights and engaging in thought leadership, which helps in shaping the evolving landscape of GIS technologies. These strategies not only future-proof your career but also position you as a valuable player in the field of GIS.

It can feel overwhelming constantly trying to upskill, especially if you're pressed for time or don't have access to that technology. One of the many upskill pitfalls is trying to do too much at one time. Start with getting a basic understanding of how an automation tool works or grasping its big picture. Often times just knowing key words and basic essentials can give greater context to a conversation. Next, focus on specific applications where automation tools could assist in your work (even identify where it cannot help). This will be a process of trial and error. Continue to upskill and research, but take your time in learning so that you do not burn yourself out in the process.

Identify niche areas or emerging technologies within GIS where human expertise is still essential, such as geospatial analysis for complex decision-making or spatial data science for predictive modeling. Invest in advanced training and certifications to deepen your expertise in these specialized domains, positioning yourself as an indispensable expert in high-demand areas. Additionally, focus on developing complementary skills that augment automation, such as data interpretation, critical thinking, and problem-solving, which are difficult to replicate with AI alone. Embrace lifelong learning and stay updated on the latest advancements in GIS technology to remain at the forefront of innovation.