You could do a degree in:

• geography
• surveying and mapping
• geographic information science
• Earth sciences
• computer science

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 3 A levels, or equivalent, including at least 1 science

You can take a college course to learn some of the skills needed for the job. This may help you when applying for a trainee position. 

Relevant courses include:

• geography
• engineering surveying
• civil engineering for technicians
• T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

You can apply for a place on a Geospatial Survey Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, or a Geospatial Mapping and Science Specialist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

You can apply to join a graduate training scheme with a geospatial data company, if you have a related degree.

You can also work towards this role through the armed forces. The Royal Air Force and the British army offer training to become an air cartographer and geographic technician.

You'll need:

• knowledge of geography
• analytical thinking skills
• maths knowledge
• complex problem-solving skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• design skills and knowledge
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

As a geospatial information systems (GIS) technician, you could:

• use specialist equipment to gather data, like advanced GPS, laser scanners and drones
• digitise and code visual information such as aerial photos, geological surveys and satellite imagery
• monitor changes to environments and the impacts of major events, such as flooding or wildfires
• maintain and analyse geographic data held in GIS databases
• provide organisations with technical reports, maps and 2D and 3D graphics to help with policy planning and decision making

You could work in an office or visit sites.