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Geospatial Technology

Geospatial Technology Competency Model

The Geospatial Technology Competency Model framework was developed through a collaborative effort involving the Employment and Training Administration (ETA), the GeoTech Center, and industry experts.

In 2025, the foundational tiers of the model were updated to align with changes in the Building Blocks Model. For more information, download the Summary of Changes.

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Download the industry model and worksheets in several formats

Geospatial Technology Competency Model

Geospatial Technology Building Blocks Pyramid

<strong>1.1 Interpersonal Skills</strong> Demonstrating the ability to work effectively with others. <strong>1.2 Integrity</strong> Displaying accepted social and work behaviors. <strong>1.3 Professionalism</strong> Demonstrating commitment to the values, standards of conduct, and well-being of one`s profession. <strong>1.4 Initiative</strong> Demonstrating a commitment to effective job performance by taking action on one`s own and following through to get the job done. <strong>1.5 Dependability and Reliability</strong> Displaying responsible behaviors at work. <strong>1.6 Lifelong Learning</strong> Displaying a willingness to learn and apply new knowledge and skills. <strong>2.1 Reading</strong> Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents. <strong>2.2 Writing</strong> Using standard English to create work-related documents. <strong>2.3 Mathematics</strong> Using the principles of mathematics to solve problems. <strong>2.4 Geography</strong> Understanding the science of place and space. Knowing how to ask and discover where things are located on the surface of the earth, why they are located where they are, how places differ from one another, and how people interact with the environment. <strong>2.5 Science and Engineering</strong> Knowing and applying the principles, rules, and methods of science and engineering to solve problems. <strong>2.6 Communication—Listening and Speaking</strong> Giving full attention to what others are saying and speaking in English well enough to be understood by others. <strong>2.7 Critical and Analytical Thinking</strong> Using logic, reasoning, and analysis to address problems. <strong>2.8 Basic Computer Skills</strong> Using information technology and related applications, including adaptive devices and software, to convey and retrieve information. <strong>3.1 Teamwork</strong> Working cooperatively with others to complete projects. <strong>3.2 Creative Thinking</strong> Recognizing, exploring, and using a broad range of ideas and practices. <strong>3.3 Planning and Organizing</strong> Planning and prioritizing work to manage time effectively and accomplish assigned tasks. <strong>3.4 Problem Solving and Decision Making</strong> Applying critical-thinking skills to solve problems by generating, evaluating, and implementing solutions. <strong>3.5 Working with Tools and Technology</strong> Selecting, using, and maintaining tools and technology to facilitate work activity. <strong>3.6 Checking, Examining, and Recording</strong> Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic format. <strong>3.7 Business Fundamentals</strong> Knowledge of basic business principles, trends, and economics. <strong>4.1 Crosscutting Geospatial Abilities and Knowledge</strong> <strong>5.1 Positioning and Data Acquisition</strong> Understanding and working with the unique geometric and thematic properties of geospatial data, the factors that affect data quality, and data production technologies, including: data collection, data capture methods, and technologies used to collect georeferenced observations and measurements. <strong>5.2 Analysis and Modeling</strong> Understanding and applying the analytical functions (“exploratory” analyses as well as model-driven analyses) of geospatial software tools. <strong>5.3 Software and Application Development</strong> Design and development of geospatial software and applications, including GIS software products, applications for processing, analyzing, or adding value to remotely sensed data, and applications to automate routine tasks and customize end-user interfaces. Click here to view Geospatial Management competencies Click here to search for O*NET Occupational Competencies Profiles

Related Links

Industry Association Links

GeoTech Center Home Page

GeoTech Center Education Resources

Careers in Cartography and GIS

Geospatial Management Competency Model

Future U.S. Workforce for Geospatial Intelligence

Esri: Careers in GIS

Certification Finder

How To

Download the industry model and worksheets in several formats

Instructions to view the model graphic

General Information

The "Building Blocks"

Frequently Asked Questions

Competency Model Development and Use (PDF)