GIO Blog
3 April 2023
Why is important to cite (geospatial) data?
Over the past few decades geospatial data has moved from the realm of one-off, often printed cartographic products and reports to interactive web applications ranging from maps to dashboard to various data analytics and business intelligence platforms. As these powerful tools and resources emerge, they are much more widely exposed to a broad array of audiences ranging from the public to decision makers and elected officials. As audiences of these products expand, the likelihood that they are not familiar with geospatial data increases.
Anyone who is trained in the GIScience, data science and related disciplines is aware, these data are neither static nor 100% perfect. The utility of data depends on a wide array of considerations related to scale, data classification, generalization completeness, and timeliness, to name just a few.
Although it is impossible to avoid these issues, in many cases, those of us who develop and use geographic data are quite familiar with the concept of metadata to appropriately document and characterize our geographic data to help end-users to make informed decisions regarding their appropriateness for use in a specific context.
To assist users of any product you develop using geospatial data it is important to provide them with relevant information on the source of those data by providing a complete citation to each data set used in your work – be that as the results reported from an analysis, the visualizations provided in static or interactive formats and web applications or other data products and dashboards.
How?
Citing data is not unlike citing any other source, something you likely learned in high school! Doing so gives credit to the original author/organization and provides the end-user with valuable information that lets them know where the data came from and to make a judgement regarding its fitness for use in context of their own work or understanding of products developed using these data. Ideally, the citation also points them to a complete metadata record that provides additional details.
While the specific format for ding a data citation may vary based on the specific style-guide you choose, a dataset citation should include the same information as any other citation: author, title, year of publication, publisher (the archive where it is stored), version, and access information (a URL or other persistent identifier).
For the County of Los Angeles, we recommend using the citation style adopted by the American Association of Geographers as shown on our GIS Data Hub. For Countywide imagery data citation information is provided on the LARIAC Licensing Information & NDA page. Of course, the same (or a similar) format may be used to cite geospatial data (in fact, any data) from sources ranging from public agencies and organizations, to private, or non-profit organizations that make open data available to use or integrate into your own applications and analysis products.
7 March 2022
GIS Jobs in Local Government
So, you want to work in GIS with the County of Los Angeles?
If you’re reading this post, you are likely interested in opportunities to work in GIS as a member of the LA County family. Working in local government provides an excellent opportunity to use your technical expertise in support of communities, environments, and services provided by a public sector organization. While the specific opportunities in government vary based on the size of the organization from city to county to state and federal agencies, all of these positions will offer you a chance to do meaningful work alongside professionals working across a wide variety of topics and applications.
In the following article sections, I address specific information relating to preparing and applying for GIS jobs in the County of Los Angeles. While the process may be similar for other government agencies, it is always important that you carefully review job descriptions and requirements before applying. Having a good understanding of these will help you to determine which opportunities best align with your goals, interests, and experience.
Understanding the process through which your application is assessed, and the career pathways available in GIS will help you to prepare the most complete and competitive application package. It is important to note that as a relatively young discipline GIS job titles and the associated requirements and expectations are inconsistent across organizations. In the County of Los Angeles, formal GIS position classes were approved in 2012 with the first positions filled in 2014.
How is hiring in the County of Los Angeles different?
If you have not experienced a civil service hiring process, it may seem confusing, especially the timelines and terminology used. So, let’s first define some vocabulary:
· Exam: When a job opens for applications, it is referred to as an exam, it’s not really an exam in the sense you might expect, it’s just the application process – no studying required!
· Workplace Skills Assessment: For many GIS roles, once your application is complete and has passed the initial screening (e.g., meets minimum requirements for the position) you may be asked to complete a variety of online assessments. These do not include GIS-specific assessments, but rather, an assessment of your workplace-related skills and reasoning.
· Banding: Once you complete the application process and your file has been reviewed you will be placed into a numbered band, typically 1 – 5, with one being the top rating. Exams for all GIS positions across all County departments use these same lists for hiring or promotion of GIS staff. No matter how qualified you may be, if you’re not on the relevant list, you cannot be interviewed for an open position.
· Selection interview: Once you have been banded you are eligible to be contacted for a selection interview. Interviews are only scheduled when a department has an open position, so this can occur any time between the date of banding and the next exam (e.g., a year or more). Patience is essential as it could be a long time before you are contacted.
Exam Timing
One of the most important items to understand in the County hiring process is timing. Exams open infrequently and for a limited time. While the details vary, the important point is this: If an exam you are interested in opens for applications, apply immediately!
For example, a specific GIS exam (job class) may only open for 7-10 days and this may occur only once every two years. While it is possible exams are offered more often, or less, there is not necessarily a regular or consistent cadence to the process. My point: even if you are still in school, finishing up a new credential (GIS Certificate or similar), or not sure you’re ready for a career change, you should apply when an exam opens, or you might just miss your chance!
Also note, this process takes time, a long time! It could be weeks or months from the time you submit your initial application until you receive a follow-up from the HR Department about the next steps (scheduling of workplace assessment, etc.). Be patient but also be sure you keep an eye out for these communications, so you don’t miss them.
The final banding decisions are promulgated some time later. List promulgation is simply the point at which applicants become eligible to be contacted for a selection interview … more on that in a moment.
Which GIS job class should I apply for?
Since the ONLY way to be considered for an interview is to be on the list you should apply for every GIS job class that you are qualified for based on your current job experience and education. It can also be a good idea to apply for positions for which you feel overqualified. For example, even if you hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree, it may be a good idea to apply for an entry-level position that only specifies an associate degree or certificate in GIS. Getting your “foot in the door” with an entry-level position can be a means to joining the County and potentially promoting to higher-level positions throughout your career.
When will I get contacted for an interview?
This is a great question! As noted above, once applications are reviewed and banded, the lists are available to all hiring departments to fill open GIS positions. This is the case for however long that particular list remains active – perhaps as much as two years.
When a specific County Department has an open GIS position, they review the relevant list and application files for individuals in a given band (starting with Band 1). The department will receive all of the information you provided in your application, including attachments such as transcripts, diplomas, or other supporting documentation, so be sure you provide EVERYTHING relevant.
Where possible, submit updated information to be added to your file (e.g., you’ve completed a degree that was in progress at the time you applied) or provide it directly to the interviewing department prior to your interview.
It is important to note, being placed on a hiring list is NOT a guarantee of an interview. Individuals are only contacted for an interview when an opening for a specific job class is available and approved to be filled. It is not unusual for vacancies to remain unfilled due to workload or budget limitations. Interviews are scheduled based on the band grouping, starting with Band 1, but don’t be discouraged if you are not contacted during the cycle. However, when the next exam opens try to improve your chances by adding any additional experience or education you’ve accumulated during the intervening period.
Should I accept an interview offer?
Although your GIS interests may lie in a specific application area (e.g., planning, public health, environmental assessment, demographics, etc.), any County department with a GIS opening may reach out to interview you. Again, keep in mind that getting your foot in the door with one department, even if not your ideal choice, is a good way to build your experience and gain consideration for future opportunities to move to another department in the future. It is important to understand that over 75% of the entry-level GIS positions (GIS Tech I and GIS Tech II) reside in just two County departments, the Assessor’s Office and Public Works.
Most of the more advanced positions (GIS Analyst, Senior GIS Analyst, Principal GIS Analyst and GIS Specialist) are distributed across a wider range of County departments and their associated application areas. Several departments also have positions for GIS Managers.
So, what are the GIS opportunities in the County?
The County of Los Angeles has nine distinct GIS job classifications which cover the range from entry-level technicians to top-level managers. While these roles do follow a general sequence, there are opportunities to enter County service at various levels based on education and prior work experience. Some positions also offer opportunities to migrate from applied, technical work into supervision and management as one progresses through their GIS career with the county.
Each GIS class within the County is listed below and linked to the specific web page providing details about the classification standards (knowledge and duties), training and experience required, pay ranges, and more.
Geographic Information Systems Technician I
Geographic Information Systems Technician II
Supervising Geographic Information Systems Technician
Geographic Information Systems Analyst
Senior Geographic Information Systems Analyst
Principal Geographic Information Systems Analyst
Geographic Information Systems Specialist
Geographic Information Systems Manager I
Geographic Information Systems Manager II
Additionally, if you create an account on this county job site, you may subscribe to any of the GIS jobs you are interested in so you can receive an alert when an exam is opened for applications.
A few final thoughts
Because GIS is such a diverse field and your training and experience may not explicitly list GIS in your degree or job title, it is extremely important that you provide adequate detail when completing your application. For example, if you hold a degree in environmental science or urban planning which included significant GIS training, it helps to detail that and include transcripts that show the relevant coursework. The same may be true of professional experience. For example, if you worked at a planning firm and had a job title such as Senior Planner, you will need to detail all relevant GIS-related knowledge and experience associated with that position.
Simply put, County HR staff cannot possibly understand what was included in your experience based just on a degree name or job title. HR staff cannot make assumptions and/or follow-up for clarification. It is in your best interest and err of the side of caution by providing as much specific detail as appropriate. Make sure you relate your experience as appropriate to demonstrate your qualifications relative to the listed requirements for the position you’re applying to.
Did you earn your GISP certification? If so, include this and all other relevant professional certifications related to the class specification you are applying to (FAA 107, ASPRS, etc.). Have you held supervisory or leadership roles in your organization or in a professional society? Include all of those relevant responsibilities when you describe your experience as well.
While a cover letter and resume are not always specifically requested, these can be valuable to include as supporting documentation at the time of your application and an updated version when you are contacted for an interview – especially if you’ve added significant education or experience since the initial exam.
Furthermore, don’t undersell yourself by leaving out relevant experience and qualifications simply because they are not listed as part of the minimum qualifications. Demonstrating that you exceed minimums may improve your chances in the overall hiring and interview process.
Now is the time to prepare your materials for upcoming opportunities. It is far easier to keep your resume and qualification information up-to-date, so you are ready when an exam opens.
Working in a GIS role with the County of Los Angeles is a meaningful and rewarding opportunity that can provide excellent professional experience and a wonderful career path that serves the over 10 million residents and 4000 square miles ranging from coastal to desert to alpine environments. We hope you’ll consider joining us as you pursue your geospatial dreams!
Please visit the following links for more information:
Los Angeles County Employee Benefits
20 October 2021
GIS Day 2021
Every year on the 3rd Wednesday of November, GIS Day is celebrated around the world. The County of Los Angeles has hosted an annual GIS Day event each year beginning in 2008. While these events have traditionally been held in person, in 2020 and again in 2021 they have gone virtual.
GIS Day in LA County got so big, in 2020 we expanded it to two days of programming, including live presentations, exhibits, games, prizes, and the ever-popular GIS Day Cake. This year we will once again host a two-day event on Wednesday, November 17, and Thursday, November 18 beginning at 10:00am and running through the afternoon.
I am particularly excited to announce our two fantastic keynote speakers. On Wednesday, Dr. D'Artagnan Scorza, Executive Director, Racial Equity at the County of Los Angeles will talk about his office's work using GIS to move forward a number of initiatives relating to equity. His presentation, Mapping Equity: Utilizing GIS to Improve Life Course Outcomes, is sure to be an eye-opening and informative discussion of this important topic.
On Thursday, Dr. Yoh Kawano, Lead Computational Scientist, GIS/Spatial Visualization, UCLA Office of Advanced Research will present on Computing Human Error and the Narratives of the People. The use of geospatial tools can provide a valuable means to understanding community narratives and our world.
Watch our GIS Day website (also linked in the menu at the top of this site) for details about the full slate of 15 additional speakers over these two days.
Participation in GIS Day is free and open to the public and registration will open in early November so you can sign up and take part in one of the largest and best GIS Day events anywhere in the world!
1 March 2021
Launching Our New Urban Tree Sensing Project
Today, in collaboration with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health we held our stakeholder kickoff meeting for a new project to innovate and optimizing planning and management of Los Angeles County’s urban forest. Trees play an essential role in our urban environment, reducing urban heat islands, stormwater run-off, noise, and air pollution to name a few.
However, to fully understand the character of our urban canopy we need to have a reliable and up-to-date inventory of where trees are located, their health, type, and condition. Furthermore, it is important to understand where opportunities to plant new trees exist so that we may continue to improve the lives of residents across the County.
With the launch of the Urban Tree Sensing Project, LA County has brought together a team of researchers, technical advisors, and stakeholders to develop methods to map and monitor trees using imagery from the LARIAC program alongside hyperspectral imagery from NASA-JPL.
I look forward to working with our University partners from the UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability and the University of Colorado Boulder Earth Lab as we embark on our pilot research to develop machine learning approaches that will improve our ability to frequently and reliably map our changing urban tree landscape across the county.
Watch for a project website to be announced soon where additional project details and progress updates will be provided as we proceed in our efforts to map and monitor our urban forest environment.
28 September 2020
Evolving Open Data for the Future
The County of Los Angeles recently kicked off their Open Data 2.0 initiative which will enable us to assess demand for county data and develop solutions to better serve our community.
As one part of this process we are seeking feedback from stakeholders to gather insights regarding current challenges, business needs, and future solutions that will serve the community most effectively and transparently.
As a step towards improved geospatial data accessibility, we launched this data portal in June 2020. However, as technology evolves, we recognize there are continual opportunities to improve our Open Data strategy and implementation.
If you are visiting our Enterprise GIS site to locate geospatial data or information through our various web applications, I’d encourage you to complete our stakeholder survey with your feedback!
26 August 2020
Save the Date for LA County GIS Day 2020
Our LA County GIS Day got so big, we had to make it two days!
This year will be a fully online event!
Learn how Los Angeles County and over 40 other agencies, academic institutions, and private sector companies use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to address
issues affecting the citizens of Los Angeles County.
This is a free event, but it will require registration for access to the event including live presentations, videos, exhibits, games, and prizes!
For more event information please visit the following link: https://gis-day-lacounty.hub.arcgis.com/
1 July 2020
Welcome to The New Enterprise GIS Website and Data Portal
I am pleased to share with you our newly revitalized Enterprise GIS (eGIS) website and data portal. Like the previous eGIS website this replaces, our goal is to provide a central location to easily locate and access high quality, authoritative GIS data resources created, maintained, licensed, and managed by the County.
I hope you will agree that this new, modernized website improves your experience in finding and integrating authoritative GIS data into your work.
replaces, our goal is to provide a central location to easily locate and access high quality, authoritative GIS data resources created, maintained, licensed, and managed by the County. I hope you will agree that this new, modernized website improves your experience in finding and integrating authoritative GIS data into your work.
Our new platform leverages Esri’s Hub and open data platforms which are familiar to many GIS users. This will improve search and data access including downloadable data and, for many data, API access using familiar methods. We have already populated the site with the most frequently requested data and we will continue to add and update data resources on an ongoing basis.
The site also provides extensive information about our primary eGIS programs including newly redesigned pages for both the Los Angeles Region Imagery Acquisition Consortium (LARIAC) and the Countywide Address Management System (CAMS).
Be sure to check out our sections for Featured Applications and Current Initiatives & Projects. These provide direct links to a wide range of geospatial applications provided by County Departments. While featured applications may change you may always locate them by clicking the Explore More
Applications button.
I hope you enjoy the new site and look forward to sharing additional updates with you in this blog in the coming months!
Have fun, and think geospatially!
Steven J. Steinberg, Ph.D., MPA, GISP
Geographic Information Officer
County of Los Angeles