17 Gis Consultant Interview Questions and Answers

As a GIS consultant, you will be responsible for helping clients solve problems using geographic information system (GIS) technology. In order to be successful in this role, you will need to have strong analytical and problem-solving skills. You will also need to be able to effectively communicate with clients and other members of the team.

If you are considering a career as a GIS consultant, you will need to be prepared for the job interview process. In this guide, we will provide you with some of the most common GIS interview questions and answers.

Are you familiar with the GIS software programs ArcGIS, QGIS and GeoDa?

GIS consultant interview questions may include technical questions about the software you use to complete your work. This question is an opportunity for you to show that you have experience using these programs and can discuss their benefits.

Example: “I am familiar with all three of these GIS software programs, as I’ve used them in my previous roles. ArcGIS is a popular program among many organizations because it’s easy to use and has many features. However, QGIS and GeoDa are both free open-source alternatives that offer similar functionality at no cost. These two programs are great options for smaller businesses who don’t want to spend money on proprietary software.”

What are the most important skills for a GIS consultant to have?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the skills necessary to succeed in this role. Your answer should include a list of important skills and examples of how you’ve used them in your previous roles.

Example: “The most important skills for a GIS consultant are problem-solving, critical thinking and communication. These skills allow me to analyze data and find solutions that meet my client’s needs. I use these skills every day when working with clients to create maps and reports based on their specifications. I also use communication skills to collaborate with other team members and explain complex concepts to clients.”

How would you explain the concept of geospatial data to someone without a technical background?

This question is a great way to show your communication skills and ability to explain complex concepts in simple terms. Your answer should include the basic definition of geospatial data, how it’s used and why it’s important.

Example: “Geospatial data is information that describes geographic locations. It can be used for many purposes, including navigation, mapping and analyzing trends. Geospatial data is essential because it allows us to understand our world better by providing detailed information about where things are located.”

What is your experience using geospatial data to solve problems in the public sector?

This question can help the interviewer understand your experience working with government agencies and how you apply your skills to solve problems for clients. Use examples from past projects that highlight your ability to work within a client’s budget, meet deadlines and communicate effectively with team members.

Example: “I have worked on several public sector projects in my career as a GIS consultant. In one project, I helped create an interactive map of city parks to help residents find nearby locations where they could walk their dogs or take their children to play. The city wanted to use this data to improve maintenance services at these parks and increase safety measures for families who visited them. We used open-source software to complete the project quickly and under budget.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to use your problem-solving skills to find a solution to a complex issue.

Interviewers ask this question to see how you apply your skills and knowledge to solve problems. Use examples from previous work experiences that show your ability to use critical thinking, research and problem-solving skills to find solutions to complex issues.

Example: “In my last role as a GIS consultant for an engineering firm, I was tasked with creating a map of the city’s infrastructure using GIS software. The project required me to create maps of all the roads in the city, including streets, sidewalks, bike paths and other areas. However, when I started mapping the city, I noticed some areas were missing data. I had to use my problem-solving skills to figure out why these areas weren’t mapped yet.”

If a client asked you to create a custom GIS application, what steps would you take to ensure a successful outcome?

This question allows you to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to work with clients. Your answer should include a step-by-step process for creating custom GIS applications, including the steps you would take to ensure that the client understands what they’re getting into.

Example: “I would first ask the client what their goals are in terms of the application. I’d then explain how each type of application works and which one is best suited for their needs. If they still want me to create a custom application, I would start by gathering all the data needed to build the application. Next, I would use this information to create the map using ArcMap. Finally, I would export the map as an app.”

What would you do if you were working on a project and you discovered that some of the geospatial data was outdated or inaccurate?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure. In your answer, explain how you would approach the situation and what steps you would take to resolve it.

Example: “If I discovered that some of the geospatial data was outdated or inaccurate, I would first try to find out why the information is incorrect. If there’s a mistake in my calculations, I would correct them immediately. If the issue lies with the source of the data, I would contact the provider and request an update. If they don’t respond within a reasonable amount of time, I would look for another resource.”

How well do you understand the laws and regulations that govern the use of geospatial data in the workplace?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your knowledge of the laws and regulations that govern geospatial data. Geospatial data is information about a location, such as latitude and longitude coordinates or elevation levels. The laws and regulations governing geospatial data are important because they ensure the accuracy of the data used in projects. Your answer should show that you understand these laws and regulations and how they apply to your work.

Example: “I am very familiar with the laws and regulations that govern the use of geospatial data in my workplace. In fact, I have taken several courses on the subject through online learning platforms. These courses helped me learn more about the legal requirements for using geospatial data in my job.”

Do you have experience working with government agencies or other large organizations?

This question can help the interviewer determine if your experience is relevant to their organization. If you don’t have direct experience, consider mentioning a similar situation that may be applicable.

Example: “I’ve worked with government agencies in my previous role as a GIS consultant. I helped create maps for city planning and infrastructure projects. This included mapping out areas where new roads were needed or existing ones could be improved. I also created maps of public parks and recreation areas so residents could find them more easily. These maps were used by city officials to make decisions about how to allocate funds.”

When conducting research, how do you decide which sources of information to include in your analysis?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your research skills and how you apply them in the workplace. Your answer should show that you can use a variety of sources to gather information, evaluate it and make decisions based on what you learn.

Example: “I always start my research by looking at primary sources, such as government data or academic journals. I find these sources are often the most reliable because they’re usually peer-reviewed and published by experts in their fields. After reviewing these sources, I look for secondary sources, like news articles or blogs, which provide additional perspectives on the topic. Finally, I look at tertiary sources, like Wikipedia, which offer broad overviews of topics but aren’t typically used for analysis.”

We want to improve our customer service processes. How would you use GIS to do this?

This question is a great way to show your problem-solving skills and how you can use GIS to improve processes. When answering this question, it’s important to explain the steps you would take to implement the new process and why you chose those steps.

Example: “I would first create a map of all customer service locations. Then I would analyze the data for each location to see which areas have the most calls or visits. This will help me determine where I need more employees or resources. For example, if there are many calls coming from one area but no nearby office, then I may want to open another office in that area.”

Describe your experience working with other consultants and technical staff in a collaborative environment.

GIS consultants often work with other professionals in a variety of fields, such as architecture and engineering. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience working collaboratively and can communicate effectively with others. In your answer, explain how you worked with others on projects and what made those experiences successful.

Example: “In my previous role, I was the only GIS consultant at my company. However, I regularly collaborated with technical staff members who were experts in their respective fields. For example, when I needed help creating new maps or analyzing data, I would reach out to these individuals for assistance. They always provided me with valuable insight that helped me complete my tasks more efficiently.”

What makes geospatial data analysis so powerful?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the geospatial industry and how you can apply it to a business. Geospatial data analysis has many applications, so consider what makes this field unique in relation to other types of data analysis.

Example: “Geospatial data analysis is powerful because it allows us to understand our world through maps. Maps are visual representations that allow us to see patterns and trends in data. This information helps businesses make better decisions about their operations. For example, if a company wants to open a new location, they can use geospatial data analysis to determine where there’s already competition and avoid those areas. They can also use geospatial data analysis to find locations with high traffic and good demographics.”

Which industries do you hope to use GIS in the future?

This question can help the interviewer understand your career goals and how you see yourself growing in this role. Your answer should include a list of industries that interest you, along with why you’re interested in them.

Example: “I hope to use GIS in many different industries throughout my career. I’m passionate about helping businesses grow by using data to make informed decisions. In my previous position, I worked with several companies who were looking for ways to improve their marketing strategies. I helped these companies create more effective ad campaigns by analyzing customer behavior and creating targeted ads based on those behaviors.”

What do you think is the most important skill for a GIS consultant to have?

This question can help the interviewer determine your priorities and how you view yourself as a GIS consultant. Your answer should show that you understand what skills are important for this role, but it’s also helpful to include an example of when you used that skill in your previous job.

Example: “I think the most important skill for a GIS consultant is communication. I’ve found that many projects fail because there was poor communication between the client and the consultant. When I worked at my last company, I had a project where the client didn’t know what they wanted. I helped them create a list of their goals and objectives so we could start mapping out the best way to achieve those goals.”

How often do you update your geospatial data knowledge?

This question can help the interviewer determine how much you value continuing your education. Your answer should show that you are committed to learning new things and staying up-to-date on geospatial data trends.

Example: “I am a big believer in continuing my education, so I attend at least one conference per year where I learn about the latest developments in geospatial technology. In addition to conferences, I also subscribe to several industry publications and online resources for geospatial data news. I find these resources very helpful because they allow me to stay informed without having to leave work.”

There is a lot of competition in this field. How do you set yourself apart from other GIS consultants?

Employers want to know that you have the skills and experience necessary to succeed in their company. They may ask this question to see if you can explain how your background makes you a good fit for their organization. In your answer, try to highlight some of your unique qualifications or experiences.

Example: “I think my biggest strength is my ability to work with clients to find solutions to their problems. I am always looking for ways to improve processes and make them more efficient. For example, when working with a client who was having trouble finding qualified employees, I used GIS technology to create an online training program. This allowed the company to train new employees remotely, which saved them money on hiring costs.”