15 Spatial Interview Questions and Answers

Spatial relations are the relationships between objects in space. When you’re asked a question about spatial relations, the interviewer is trying to assess your ability to think abstractly and see the big picture.

If you’re interviewing for a job that requires spatial skills, you can expect to be asked questions that test your ability to think in three dimensions. Spatial relations questions are often used in interviews for jobs in architecture, engineering, and product design.

To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a list of sample questions and answers about spatial relations.

1. What is spatial data?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of spatial data and how it can be used in the workplace. Spatial data is information that has a location or position, such as latitude and longitude coordinates. It’s important for professionals who work with maps and geographic information systems (GIS) to understand what spatial data is and how it works.

Example: “Spatial data is information that has a location or position, such as latitude and longitude coordinates. This type of data is often used by professionals working with GIS because it allows them to create digital maps and analyze locations based on specific criteria. For example, I worked with a client who wanted to know which areas had the highest crime rates. Using spatial data, we were able to map out all of the neighborhoods in our city and determine where the most crimes occurred.”

2. How do you store spatial data in a database?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of how to store data in a database. You can answer this question by explaining the steps you would take to create and maintain a spatial database.

Example: “I would first define the spatial objects I want to store, such as points, lines or polygons. Then, I would use an object-relational mapping (ORM) tool to convert these objects into tables that are compatible with the database. Finally, I would use SQL commands to insert the spatial data into the database.”

3. Can you explain the difference between vector and raster files?

This question tests your knowledge of spatial files and how they work. You can answer this question by defining each type of file, explaining what it does and giving an example of when you used one or both types in the past.

Example: “A vector file is a collection of mathematical equations that describe geometric objects like lines, curves, surfaces and solids. It’s made up of points, lines and curves that are stored as matrices. A raster file is a grid of pixels that represent color values. Each pixel has its own coordinates and stores data about color and brightness. I have used both types of files in my previous job to create maps for clients.”

4. What are some common use cases for spatial data analysis?

This question can help the interviewer get a better understanding of your experience with spatial data analysis and how you apply it to real-world situations. Use examples from your past work that show your ability to use spatial data analysis in professional settings.

Example: “In my last role, I used spatial data analysis for several common use cases. One was finding patterns within large datasets using geographic information systems. Another was analyzing spatial relationships between different objects or locations. For example, I once had to find out which stores were most likely to sell products based on their proximity to other stores. This helped our company determine where we should open new stores.”

5. What are some common challenges faced by spatial data scientists?

This question can help the interviewer gain insight into your problem-solving skills and how you use them to overcome challenges. Use examples from your past experience to highlight your critical thinking, analytical and communication skills.

Example: “One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as a spatial data scientist is determining which data sets are most important for my analysis. In my last role, I was tasked with analyzing several different types of spatial data that were collected by various departments within the company. I had to determine which data sets would provide me with the most relevant information so I could complete my analysis in a timely manner. After speaking with each department head, I determined that the sales data provided by the marketing team would be the most beneficial for my analysis.”

6. What do you understand about coordinate systems and projections?

This question is a great way to test your spatial skills and knowledge of the field. Coordinate systems and projections are two important concepts in geography, so it’s likely that you’ll be asked about them during an interview. Use examples from past experiences to show how you apply these concepts to solve problems.

Example: “Coordinate systems and projections are essential for mapping and navigation. I’ve used both coordinate systems and projections many times throughout my career as a cartographer. For example, when creating maps for clients, I use UTM coordinates to determine where to place points on the map. Then, I use different projections to display the data in the most effective way.”

7. Can you describe how to read and write spatial vectors from PostGIS?

This question is a great way to test your spatial skills and knowledge of PostGIS. You can answer this question by describing the steps you would take to read and write spatial vectors from PostGIS.

Example: “The first step in reading and writing spatial vectors from PostGIS is connecting to the database. I would use the pg_connect() function for this, which requires the hostname, username, password and port number as parameters. Once connected, I would create a new object using the PostGIS extension with the CREATE EXTENSION command. Then, I would open the connection using the OpenGEOS library with the USE command. Next, I would query the table that contains the spatial vector data I want to access using the SELECT command. Finally, I would close the connection using the DROP EXTENSION command.”

8. Why are geospatial queries important?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of geospatial queries. You can use it as an opportunity to show the interviewer that you understand how this technology works and why it’s important in the workplace.

Example: “Geospatial queries are important because they allow us to find information about locations, such as businesses or landmarks. This data helps companies make more informed decisions about where to open new stores or build new factories. It also allows them to better understand their customers by analyzing which areas have the most traffic.”

9. When would you use an index on a geometry column?

This question tests your knowledge of the different functions you can use in a database. It also shows that an interviewer wants to know if you have experience using specific features and how they apply to real-world situations.

Example: “I would use an index on a geometry column when I need to find data based on spatial location, such as finding all records within a certain radius or determining which points are closest to each other. Indexes are useful for speeding up queries that involve spatial operations because they allow me to skip the process of scanning through every record in the table.”

10. What’s the difference between SQL Server, Oracle Spatial Database, and PostgreSQL/PostGIS?

This question tests your knowledge of spatial databases. You can answer this question by describing the differences between each database and how you would use them in your work.

Example: “SQL Server, Oracle Spatial Database and PostgreSQL/PostGIS are all open source spatial databases that I’ve used to create maps for clients. SQL Server is a proprietary database server from Microsoft that’s designed for enterprise-level applications. It has many tools for creating maps and analyzing data. Oracle Spatial Database is also an enterprise-level product with more advanced features than SQL Server. It allows users to store large amounts of data and perform complex queries on it.

PostgreSQL/PostGIS is an open source alternative to Oracle Spatial Database. It’s free to use and offers similar functionality as its proprietary counterpart.”

11. Can you explain what GML is?

GML is an XML-based language that allows users to create and share spatial data. This question tests your knowledge of GML, a common language used in the industry. In your answer, define what GML is and explain how you would use it if given the opportunity.

Example: “GML stands for Geography Markup Language. It’s an XML-based language that allows users to create and share spatial data. I have experience using GML because my previous employer had a database with many layers of information. We used GML to add new layers to the existing database. The ability to use GML was one reason why I got this job.”

12. Can you give me examples of real-world situations where spatial data analysis has been used successfully?

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you have the skills and experience necessary for this role. Use examples from your previous work or school projects where spatial data analysis was used to solve problems, create new opportunities or improve processes.

Example: “In my last job as a geospatial analyst, I worked with several different types of spatial data including satellite imagery, aerial photography and street-level mapping. One project I worked on involved using these data sources to help local businesses find out which areas were most likely to attract customers based on traffic patterns and other factors. This information helped them decide where they wanted to open new locations.”

13. Can you describe your experience with using R or Python packages like ggplot or matplotlib to perform spatial analytics?

This question is a great way to assess your experience with spatial analytics and how you apply it in the workplace. Use examples from past projects or experiences to describe what you did, why you did it and the results of your actions.

Example: “I have used R packages like ggplot and matplotlib to perform spatial analytics on several occasions. In my last role as an analyst for a real estate company, I was tasked with creating maps that showed where our clients lived and worked. Using these two packages, I created custom maps using data points from each client’s profile. This allowed me to create more detailed maps than those provided by the software we were using.”

14. If I have to create a map using longitude and latitude values, which package should I use?

This question tests your knowledge of spatial data structures. You can answer this question by naming the package that you would use to create a map using longitude and latitude values.

Example: “If I have to create a map using longitude and latitude values, I would use the SpatialLinesDataFrame package in R. This package allows me to convert geographic coordinates into lines and then plot them on a map.”

15. What are the main limitations of using QGIS?

This question is a follow-up to the previous one and tests your ability to recognize limitations in software. Your answer should show that you can identify problems with programs and offer solutions for improvement.

Example: “The main limitation of QGIS is its inability to create maps from scratch. This means I have to use other software, such as ArcMap or Mapinfo, to create my initial map before importing it into QGIS. Another limitation is that QGIS doesn’t support data management like ArcMap does. However, there are third-party extensions available that allow me to do this.”