An Introduction to GeoLinx

The GeoLinx project started out as a simple concept - bringing geospatial industry professionals together through the sharing of information.  The idea started in early 2008 when we realized that searching for jobs in the GIS industry was difficult because there were only a few sources dedicated to this specific discipline of career postings.  At that time we started the "The Western Pennsylvania GIS Newsletter" focusing on GIS jobs in the western Pennsylvania area (where we were located at the time).   The newsletter gained quite a following during it’s time.  Unfortunately, due to time constraints the newsletter fell by the wayside.

During this time, the GeoLinx project was envisioned.  We wanted to create a one-stop site where GIS professionals could find information on professional organizations, educational institutions and programs, GIS firms, career opportunities, and GIS events.  Obviously this would be a large undertaking that would take far more resources than we had at the time.

Development Faction, LLC was formed in March of 2009.  Over the past several years, we have been growing in size and experience.  In the fall of 2012 we decided to revisit the GeoLinx project as a side project.  We would allocate some time to develop the GeoLinx site when it was possible.  We decided that a phased approach was the best method of getting GeoLinx off the ground.  The obvious target seemed to be GIS job postings.  We decided this would be perfect excuse to play with the Google Maps API.

So that is how the GeoLinx website got its start.  The first version allows users search for job posting within a specified radius.  The user can select jobs and is redirected to the original job post.  A GIS approach for searching for GIS jobs seemed like the perfect approach.  We currently update the site daily (usually), and job posting can be located anywhere in the world, however, are mostly centered in North America since this is where we are located and get the most postings.

Since we have launched the first version of the site, we have been pleased with the positive feedback we have been getting, as well as the large volume of traffic to the site.  We plan to continue to improve the site and already have a long list of enhancements and new features planned.  We hope to get more users sending us posts so we don’t have to search for them ourselves.  We are also posting jobs on Twitter daily.  Finally, we will be following up with regular posts on the project and the development of the site as we go, so check back regularly.