Why location analysis positions are so difficult to fill

Location analysis is the connecting element between geodata and decision-making — whether in evaluating wind farm locations, planning charging infrastructure, real estate market analysis or network planning. Professionals in this area use GIS, remote sensing, and spatial statistics to enable data-based location decisions. But it is precisely this combination of analytical geocompetence and industry understanding that is extremely scarce on the job market.

The most common reasons why location analysis positions are difficult to fill:

• No own job profile. There is no “Location Analysis” degree program and no established job title for it. Specialists come from the fields of geoinformatics, geography, spatial planning or data science — and work as “GIS Analyst,” “Site Planner,” “Location Intelligence Specialist,” or “Project Developer.” This fragmentation makes targeted communication extremely difficult.
• Does not exist as a category on any portal. “Location analysis” or “location intelligence” does not exist as a searchable section on any generalist portal. Jobs end up under “Analysis,” “Planning,” or “IT” — where GIS-savvy location analysts are not looking for.
• Industry-specific knowledge required. Site analysis for wind energy requires different knowledge than location analysis for retail or charging infrastructure. Employers are not only looking for GIS expertise, but also an understanding of the respective industry — approval processes, market dynamics or infrastructure planning.
• Boom area due to energy transition and digitization. Wind farm sites, open-space PV systems, charging station locations, fibre-optic expansion — the site assessment for infrastructure projects is growing rapidly. At the same time, the real estate industry and retail are discovering location intelligence as a data-based competitive advantage.
• Data analysis skills are becoming standard. Modern location analysis goes beyond classic GIS mapping: Python-based geodata analysis, machine-learning-based location forecasts, accessibility modelling and the integration of multiple data sources are increasingly expected.
• Remote work meets location-based work. Paradox: Location analysts analyze locations, but can often do their work completely remotely. Employers that don't offer this lose candidates to more flexible competitors.

From wind farm site assessment to location intelligence: Typical job profiles in location analysis

Geo-related location analysis is carried out in a wide variety of industries — from the energy sector to the real estate sector to municipal infrastructure planning. The profiles combine GIS expertise with industry-specific application knowledge.

The following overview shows typical job profiles as they are represented on GoGeoGo and in the wider market:

Renewable energy location analysis

Job title: Regional Planning/Site Analysis Specialist, Project Evaluation/Site Analysis Employee, Geodata Project Coordinator

Skills: Wind potential analysis, GIS-based site assessment, area analysis, approval process (BImSchG), sound/shadow casting forecasts

Location intelligence & real estate research

Job title: GIS Analyst Location Intelligence, Working Student GIS/Real Estate Research

Skills: Accessibility analysis, catchment area modelling, geodata visualization, market data integration, Python, QGIS/ArcGIS

Site planning infrastructure & networks

Job title: Project manager for installing e-charging stations, planner/project engineer network construction, project manager for electric mobility

Skills: Network planning, charging infrastructure location assessment, supply area analysis, GIS network analysis, funding management

Geodata analysis & spatial data science

Job title: Data Scientist, Data Project Consultant, Geoinformatics Specialist Site Analysis

Skills: Python/R, spatial statistics, machine learning, geodatabases (PostGIS), data visualization, API integration

Whether you're a location analyst for Renewable energy search, one GIS specialists for location intelligence, a planner for infrastructure sites, or a Data Scientist with a focus on geodata — the requirements differ fundamentally depending on the industry.

Location analysts who combine classic GIS expertise with modern data analysis skills are particularly in demand: Python-based geodata analysis, machine-learning-based location forecasts, cloud-based processing of large geodata sets or the integration of real-time data into location assessments. Demand ranges from energy project developers to Real estate consultancies upto municipal planning authorities.

More about this topic: Geo Data Science: Career, Skills & Salary and GIS salary Germany.

Typical employers for location analysis

Geo-related location analysis is carried out in the energy sector, in consulting firms, network operators and in the real estate industry. The following selection shows examples of the types of employers represented on GoGeoGo.

Energy transition & project development:

• NOTUS Energy Plan/Development — is an example for wind energy project developers, for whom GIS-based site analysis is a core competence. Typical profiles include specialists for spatial planning and location analysis, project evaluation staff and project coordinators for geodata. In wind energy, site evaluation is decisive for project success or failure — the demand for specialists who combine GIS analysis with approval knowledge is correspondingly high.

In addition to this explicit example, location analysis is a cross-cutting issue that is represented on GoGeoGo in many industries:

• Network operators and energy suppliers need location analysis for network expansion planning, charging station locations and supply area optimization.
• Real estate consultancies are increasingly relying on GIS-based location intelligence for market analyses and location assessments.
• Municipal planning authorities use location analysis for infrastructure planning, retail concepts and services of general interest.
• Geodata service provider such as Nexiga or con terra offer location analysis as a core service and require data scientists and GIS analysts to do so.

A complete overview can be found in Business Directory.

Why niche platforms work better for location analysis recruiting

Location analysis is a cross-cutting issue that doesn't have its own category on any generalist portal — but hits right at the center on GoGeoGo.

No major job portal has “location analysis”. On StepStone or Indeed, there is no section for location intelligence, location assessment, or GIS-based area analysis. Jobs end up under “analysis,” “consulting,” or “project management” — where GIS-savvy site analysts are not looking for.

GoGeoGo is the home of geodata analysts. Specialists who have GIS-based location analysis as expertise come from geoinformatics, GIS and remote sensing — all categories that GoGeoGo represents. Your location analysis office is in just the right environment on GoGeoGo.

Data science meets Geo. GoGeoGo specifically attracts professionals who master geodata analysis, Python and spatial statistics — exactly the skills that modern location analysis requires. Blog content such as Geo Data Science and GIS salary attract this target group in a targeted manner.

Perfect fit for analytical profiles. Geoinformatics specialists, GIS analysts and data scientists with a geo-background apply on GoGeoGo — exactly the profiles that are suitable for location analysis jobs.

Why employers rely on GoGeoGo for location analysis

GoGeoGo is the specialized job board for geospatial, environmental and planning occupations in the DACH region. For employers looking for location analysts, this means in concrete terms:

Qualified candidates instead of wastage. Anyone who visits GoGeoGo is specifically looking for GIS, geoinformatics or geodata jobs. Your location analysis position reaches GIS analysts, data scientists and geoinformatics specialists who have data-based location assessment as expertise. In addition, we reach out to job seekers via our geo-newsletter.

Niche SEO that works. GoGeoGo ranks for specialist keywords such as “Location Analysis GIS Job”, “Location Intelligence Position” or “Geodata Analysis Career”. Ours 13 subject categories — including GIS, geoinformatics and Renewable energy — ensure visibility among the right target group.

industry network. GoGeoGo is known in the geo-community — through specialist conferences such as FOSSGIS, the LinkedIn network and cooperation with multi-posting agencies such as KÖNIGSTEINER, Personalwerk or Rheinsatz.

SEO-optimized job ads. Each ad is marked with schema.org/JobPosting and appears in Google for Jobs.

Permanent ads via the employer profile. With the employer profile They are visible 365 days — particularly valuable for project developers and consulting firms who regularly hire site analysts.

Fair prices, no hidden costs. Vacancies starting at 149€ (Classic, 30 days). No subscription trap, no success fees. Overview of all prices →

Energy project developers, geodata service providers and consulting companies are already represented on GoGeoGo. Visit our Business Directory for a complete overview.