The Life of a GIS Consultant
Billable Hours as a GIS Consultant
A GIS consultant often works based on billable hours. This means they get paid for the time they spend working on a project. So, the clock only starts ticking the moment they begin their task.
Each project has a budget for how many hours they can work. GIS consultants juggle various projects at once. Because of this, they need to be good at managing their time.
Billable hours include many tasks. For example, they might spend time analyzing data. They might also create maps or meet with clients. Even answering emails or calls about the project counts.
Do You Have Enough Billable Hours?
I just want to hit the point home with “billable hours” because of its extreme importance in the world of GIS consulting. It shows clients how much work goes into their projects. It also helps consultants get paid for their efforts.
However, not every hour is billable. Consultants also do things that don’t count toward a project. For instance, they might have training or administrative work. So, they have to balance billable tasks with other important activities.
This system pushes GIS consultants to be productive. Yet, it also rewards them for their hard work and expertise. The more skilled and efficient they are, the more value they bring to their projects.
Being a Geospatial Consultant
GIS consultants step into a world where maps and data meet. One day, you might be creating maps for new wildlife conservation areas. Another day, you could be writing a script to automate a geoprocessing operation.
The job could be a mix of desk work and field visits. This variety keeps work exciting and fresh. While you spend a lot of time on your computer, you also get to step outside. Sometimes, it could be in remote locations to gather data firsthand.
It’s a role that comes with challenges. You’ll have to keep up with fast-moving technology or manage large datasets. It’s a career that combines technology and the opportunity to explore and better understand the world around us.
GIS Consultant Companies
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, I want you to understand that GIS is cyclical. Unfortunately, layoffs are common. Keep yourself busy. Keep filling your timecards with billable hours.
Here are some of the most common GIS consulting companies.
Esri Consultants
Esri, a leader in GIS technology, offers consulting services that help organizations use spatial data effectively. Their consultants are experts in Esri’s software, like ArcGIS Pro.
They work with clients across different sectors, such as government and private firms. Their main role is to find technology gaps so clients can get the most out of Esri products.
It’s not just Esri. There are FME consultants along with other geospatial companies like Trimble, Autodesk, and Maxar.
Environmental Consulting Firms
As an environmental consultant, you will analyze spatial data related to the environment. For example, you might map out areas affected by industrial waste to prioritize cleanup efforts. Or, you could use GIS to monitor wildlife habitats.
Data collection is big in environmental consulting including field apps. Often, you’ll contribute to environmental assessments to help projects in mining and oil & gas move forward.
GIS Consultants in Transportation
In transportation, GIS consultants plan, analyze, and improve transportation systems. This includes roads, public transit, and bike paths. These consultants help make travel safer, faster, and more efficient.
You use GIS to understand traffic patterns, identify accident hotspots, and plan new routes. By combining technology in transportation, you support smarter city planning and help reduce traffic congestion.
City Planning
City planning is like being a future-builder. You design cities that are smart, green, and ready for tomorrow. Plus, you decide where houses, parks, and shops should go.
You also think about how to keep the environment safe while the city grows. Your maps shape the future of communities.
Solo GIS Consultants
Being a solo GIS consultant is a tough nut to crack. As a freelance GIS worker, you’re your own boss. You manage projects, find clients, and deliver solutions on your own.
Working as a GIS contractor offers the freedom to choose interesting projects and the flexibility to work from anywhere.
However, it also means taking on the challenges of running a GIS freelance business. From marketing your services to managing your workload, all responsibilities land on you.
Is GIS Consulting For You?
Billable hours are a major challenge for GIS consultants. Tracking every hour spent on a project can be stressful, as it directly impacts income. Balancing the need to deliver quality work within a limited number of billable hours requires efficiency.
On the other hand, every day is different for a geospatial consultant. No matter the field, working with GIS puts you at the heart of decision-making. You turn data into insights. This can lead to innovative solutions for geospatial problems.
