GIS-Pro 2026

Formal programs can only teach so much, and curriculum often lags behind the fast-paced technological evolution, resulting in Geospatial graduates and early career professionals struggling to “catch up” with industry knowledge and skills that weren’t perhaps explicitly part of a degree program. This session explores some of the knowledge gaps in foundational IT and Data architecture knowledge, as well as what modern GeoAI means for how data is analyzed, workflows are designed, and results interpreted and integrated back into GIS for visual insights.

This session examines the skills GIS professionals which span beyond those GIS taught in traditional programs. Some key foundation concepts which are crucial but may be underdeveloped include IT infrastructure fundamentals, Networking fundamentals, Database Design, and, if an Esri ArcGIS shop, the ArcGIS architecture foundations. Also, as AI continues to evolve, it is imperative that GIS students and professionals are aware of and implementing GeoAI tools, analyses, and capabilities.

Keywords: Leadership, Professional, career, development, IT skills, GeoAI

The Hidden Skills Gap in GIS. Foundational IT Knowledge Everyone Should Know
Christina Brunsvold, MS, GISP, Lead GIS Administrator/Project Manager, CAL FIRE, Sacramento, CA – USA
Liz Parrish, MBA, GISP, Sr. Manager of Geospatial Analytics & Insights, H-E-B, Dallas, TX - USA