AfriGIS, a geospatial data company that goes beyond geography to make the connections no one else sees, continued with their relationship with the Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorology by actively engaging with us, the students enrolled in the Honours course GIS 708, during semester 1 of 2025. First, AfriGIS came to the Hatfield campus on 24 March to share their experience relating to geospatial networks, how these are set up, managed and analysed. This was followed by a visit to their Pretoria offices on 28 May.

In our first engagement on 24 March, we were taught about all things relating to networks. One of the most important takeaway messages was that data quality and control are crucial to any geospatial work. On our excursion to AfriGIS on 28 May, we gained plenty of interesting and insightful knowledge that gave us a good glimpse into what working in the GIS industry is like. The AfriGIS team talked to us about many different industry-related topics, including advice on creating a CV, what they look for in potential candidates, and other important skills we need to have. They emphasised the importance of soft skills and how dealing with people is even more important than being a technical expert. The AfriGIS team further got us thinking by asking various questions throughout their presentation, showing us that "out of the box" thinking can pay off in the long run. As the presentation was split between 3 individuals, all working under different divisions of AfriGIS, it was great to hear each of their opinions on the GIS industry.  

AfriGIS effectively explained many technical aspects of GIS and its applications. One aspect touched on was the importance and usefulness of using networks in GIS. AfriGIS explained to us the many different industries they can be used in, from disaster management to the insurance industry. They effectively explained to us that GIS is only ever used for two things: to make money or to save money, and you use your skills and knowledge to that effect.

We are very grateful to the AfriGIS team for their insightful presentation and look forward to starting our careers in the GIS field and beyond.

the GIS 708 student class