Cartographers
Cartographers
Career outlook for
Cartographers
What's it like?
Research, study, and prepare maps and other spatial data in digital or graphic form for one or more purposes, such as legal, social, political, educational, and design purposes. May work with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). May design and evaluate algorithms, data structures, and user interfaces for GIS and mapping systems. May collect, analyze, and interpret geographic information provided by geodetic surveys, aerial photographs, and satellite data.
Working conditions
Tasks
- Compile data required for map preparation, including aerial photographs, survey notes, records, reports, and original maps.
- Delineate aerial photographic detail, such as control points, hydrography, topography, and cultural features, using precision stereoplotting apparatus or drafting instruments.
- Prepare and alter trace maps, charts, tables, detailed drawings, and three-dimensional optical models of terrain using stereoscopic plotting and computer graphics equipment.
Top Skills
- Reading Comprehension.
- Writing.
- Critical Thinking.
- Active Listening.
- Active Learning.
- Speaking.
- Monitoring.
- Complex Problem Solving.
- Judgment and Decision Making.
- Social Perceptiveness.
- Coordination.
- Time Management.
- Mathematics.
- Learning Strategies.
- Systems Analysis.
- Instructing.
- Service Orientation.
- Systems Evaluation.
- Persuasion.
- Negotiation.