Geospatial Data Specialist

Briefly explain what you do for a living.

I work in the information management of Metsähallitus Parks & Wildlife Finland on geospatial data-related tasks. I support information system development, analyse and process data on nature and hiking with geospatial data software, and promote the use of geospatial data in the development of new methods. In addition, I offer support to other users of geospatial data at Metsähallitus.

How have you ended up in the profession of your choice?

I have been interested in maps since I was a child, and I remember studying the globe on my school table often. I studied geography at the University of Oulu, and the geospatial data studies included in the training seemed interesting. Work training periods during the studies and writing my thesis further increased my interest in geospatial data-related tasks.

Describe your typical working day or week.

A typical working day of mine includes several Teams meetings with different topics. I also strive to reserve time each day to promote concrete work tasks. Prioritising work tasks and time management is important.

What kind of work environment or working hours do you have?

I mostly work remotely and communicate with colleagues mainly through Teams. Metsähallitus is a nationwide work community, and my teammates also live in different parts of Finland. My job includes some travelling to, for example, the Helsinki Metropolitan Area, where Metsähallitus’ headquarters are located.

The work takes place during office hours, but the working days must be extended if necessary.

What kind of competence or qualities are required in the profession?

The profession requires technical expertise in geospatial data. In addition, problem-solving skills, good cooperation skills and interest in continuous development of one’s own skills are needed. The work tasks require both mastering the details and the ability to perceive things as broader entities.

What is the best thing about your profession?

The best part of my work is the versatility of work tasks and working in a team. I feel that I have succeeded in my work when I can concretely promote the matters that are my responsibility, and they are completed. Positive feedback from colleagues, stakeholders and steering parties also feels good.

What are the downsides of the profession or what seems challenging?

A versatile job description and the need to continuously develop one’s competence also sometimes feel challenging and cause some stress. Sometimes there are so many meetings that there seems to be too little time left for the actual work.

What would you tell a person considering the profession of a specialist in geospatial data?

The job description of a geospatial data expert is extensive.  Geospatial data competence may consist of different skills, such as database and application development competence, skills in analysing and presenting location-specific data, management of measurement technologies or the ability to automate workflows and implement interface publications. It is difficult for an individual employee to be an excellent expert in all these areas, so teamwork and networks are indispensable.

How do you see the future of your profession?

Geospatial data experts will also have good employment opportunities in the future, as the work requires special expertise that is difficult to replace mechanically. The development of AI technologies will certainly bring new opportunities and ways of working.