Cartographer

What is a Cartographer?

Duties

As a cartographer, you will be responsible for completing the following tasks:

• Working with clients on their specifications and with external contacts like designers or surveyors on the information supplied.
• Conduct research and select map source data to be used in preparing or revising maps or charts to scale.
• Utilising tools such as the photogrammetric plotting instrument or digital photogrammetric workstation (DPW) to view photographs in a 3D format.
• Create, analyse and maintain geographical information databases for checking the content and accuracy of charts, maps and other documents.
• Gain insights on geographical information systems to model and assess different features of landscapes.

Day In The Life

Cartographers usually aggregate information that is necessary for preparing maps such as survey notes, reports, records, maps and aerial photographs. A big part of this role is to closely examine map content and layout according to product specifications like size, colours, projection and direct production. Further, it is your job to build and ensure that all digital databases are up-to-date. You will regularly prepare and make edits to various maps, charts, drawings and 3D models of terrains with the help of computer graphics and stereoscopic plotting.

Work Schedule

Cartographers are expected to work in a standard comfortable work environment for more than 40 hours per week. They commonly have flexible working hours and a majority of professionals in this area choose a nine-to-five routine. Some cartographers also prefer working freelance and part-time depending on their preference. Longer work hours can occur when meeting tight deadlines for multiple projects. This type of work is perfect for individuals who enjoy a practical approach to solving real world problems.

Growth Of The Job

With modern advances in technology, there is a heightened demand for accurate and effective maps that are provided in a digital format for easy access. The industry is also seeing an increasing use of maps for urban planning among local government bodies which accounts for the rising popularity of cartographers. As per the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics, the employment of cartographers is project to rise 29% from 2014 to 2024.

Many cartographers utilize their experience to move into independent consultancy work. You might also set up and run your own business for cartography work. Some may also choose to move into associated areas of expertise like photogrammetry, remote sensing, and some aspects of IT-related consultancy.

If employed by a large company, you will have the chance to rotate between different departments and hone your skill set in high demand areas like GIS, digital mapping and photogrammetry. Public sector roles have an established structure in place for progressing to more responsibilities and overseeing staff, once you have the required number of years in experience. You might also find more promising opportunities as a specialist in an area such as 3D visualization, GIS and photogrammetry.

Typical Employers

Since it is a comparatively small profession, not all jobs are promoted as ‘Cartographer’ so be careful when looking at job descriptions for work opportunities. The highest level of employment for a cartographer is in the architectural and engineering industry and local governments.

Career growth in this job sector is entirely dependent on the scope and size of the organisation where you find work. Cartographers are particularly in demand for public sector jobs and commercial cartography companies, i.e. oil companies, GIS companies, utility companies, environmental consultancies. Specific employers looking to hire include H2M Group, Booz Allen Hamilton, MultiLingual Solutions Inc., Central Intelligence Agency, and KEYW Corporation.