Career Overview
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.
Also Known As
- Cartographer
- Photogrammetric Technician
- Photogrammetrist
- Stereo Compiler
Alternate Job Titles
- Aerial Photogrammetrist
- Cadastral Mapper
- Cartographer
- Cartographic Designer
- Cartographic Drafter
- Cartography Technician
- Data Mapper
- Digital Cartographer
- Field Map Editor
- Geospatial Specialist
- Imagery Analyst
- LIDAR Technician (Light Detection and Ranging Technician)
- Map Editor
- Map Maker
- Mapper
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
- Study legal records to establish boundaries of local, national, and international properties.
- Inspect final compositions to ensure completeness and accuracy.
- Revise existing maps and charts, making all necessary corrections and adjustments.
- Identify, scale, and orient geodetic points, elevations, and other planimetric or topographic features, applying standard mathematical formulas.
Emerging Responsibilities
As this field evolves, you may also:
- Estimate resources, such as production hours, required for projects.
- Use drone technology to capture high-resolution images and data for map creation and updating.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Geography
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Reading Comprehension
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Written Comprehension
- Oral Comprehension
- Near Vision
- Inductive Reasoning
- Oral Expression
- Written Expression
- Deductive Reasoning
- Flexibility of Closure
- Far Vision
- Information Ordering
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Cautiousness
- Integrity
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Achievement
- Working Conditions
- Independence
- Support
- Recognition
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
On-the-Job Training: Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month
Education Details: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience Required: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe Creative Cloud software
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Photoshop
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Bentley MicroStation
- C
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Extensible markup language XML
Tools & Equipment
- Aerial imagery mapping-grade global positioning systems GPS
- Analytical stereoplotters
- Automatic levels
- Color digital camera systems
- Color inkjet plotters
- Compasses
- Computer servers
- Digital camcorders
- Digital image printers
- Digitizers
- Dividers
- Drafting instruments
- Drafting machines
- Film processors and editors
- French curves
Work Environment
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Spend Time Sitting
- Telephone Conversations
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $50,500 |
| Median | $78,380 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $121,440 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 12,790
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Surveying and Mapping Technicians
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $51,940
Geodetic Surveyors
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $72,740
Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $108,970
Remote Sensing Technicians
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $60,130
Surveyors
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $72,740
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.