How to become A Cartographer

• Mapmaker
• Topographer

What do Cartographers do?

A Cartographer would typically need to:

• Compile data required for map preparation, including aerial photographs, survey notes, records, reports, original maps, and satellite images; use the data to build and update digital databases
• Examine and analyze data to prepare topographic maps, aerial-photograph mosaics, and related charts
• Prepare and alter trace maps, charts, tables, detailed drawing, and 3D optical models of terrain using stereoscopic plotting and computer graphics equipment
• Identify, scale, and orient geodetic points, elevations, and other planimetric or topographic features, applying standard mathematical formulas
• Determine guidelines that specify which source material is acceptable for use; inspect final compositions to ensure completeness and accuracy
• Determine map content and layout, as well as production specifications such as scale, size, projection, and colors; direct production to ensure that specifications are followed
• Collect information about specific features of the earth using aerial photography and other digital remote sensing techniques
• Delineate aerial photographic detail, such as control points, hydrography, topography, and cultural features, using precision stereo plotting apparatus or drafting instruments
• Study legal records to establish boundaries of local, national, and international properties and travel over photographed areas to observe, identify, document, and verify all relevant features
• Liaise with clients about their requirements and with external contacts, such as surveyors and designers, about the supply of the information
• Work with editors and printers, using computer-based tools such as geographic information systems (GIS) to see, model, and analyze landscape features
• Consult and advise project directors regarding data display, spatial data analysis, cartographic production time/cost estimates, and quality control of report graphics
• Research, install and troubleshoot new automated cartographic hardware and software along with appropriate cartographic techniques and methods
• Train and oversee the work of illustrators and drafters in cartographic production

Cartographers work as part of a multidisciplinary team and are usually office-based. You may spend some time outdoors and away from home when you carry out land or hydrographic surveys. The dress code is casual unless otherwise specified.

Cartographers usually work typical office hours though they may need to work longer hours when meeting publication or project completion deadlines.

The public sector and a variety of government departments are significant employers of Cartographers. The private commercial sector also uses their services in diverse areas. Vacancies usually appear on websites, in newspapers, or specialist press and journals.

Cartographers are generally employed by: 

• National Mapping Agencies
• Meteorological Offices
• Armed Forces
• Defense Ministries
• Transport Departments
• Forestry Departments
• Environment Departments
• Food & Rural Departments
• Land Use Research Institutes
• Land and Air Survey Companies
• Hydrographic Office
• GIS Companies
• Planning or Environmental Consultancies
• Utility Companies, such as Electricity, Gas & Water
• Oil Companies
• Local Authorities
• Service Agencies
• Private Consultancies
• Map Publishers
• University Departments

Professional associations and organizations are vital for Cartographers interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications. You may become a member of cartographic societies that offer networking events and opportunities along with professional courses.

• Fierce competition for jobs; the need for interdisciplinary knowledge and ability to adopt new technologies
• Lack of dedicated Cartographers; lack of focus on particular skills; cartography losing ground in institutions
• Health-related issues because of time spent at the computer

Practical experience gained through work placements or a year in industry as part of your degree will help you compete in the job market. The sandwich placements and internships offered by large organizations will prove invaluable, as will the work experience gained from shadowing a professional Cartographer.

It is useful to put together a portfolio of any design ideas or maps you may have produced to show at an interview. School leavers may be allowed to enter the profession by gaining experience in the armed forces.

It is possible to enter the field of Cartography at the trainee technician level straight out of school or college. Since it is a competitive field, a bachelor’s degree in geography, geographical information systems (GIS), geology, computer science, or software engineering will prove advantageous.

You may also opt for a bachelor’s program in physical or mathematical sciences, earth science, geophysics, marine science, surveying, civil engineering, or graphic design. A postgraduate qualification in related fields increases chances of employment.

Certification is not required but demonstrates competence and may help candidates get a job.

Requirements for licensure as a Cartographer may vary by location; generally, an applicant needs a bachelor's degree, several years of experience as an accredited surveyor, and a passing grade in exams on procedure and technique.

Cartographers may start their careers as mapping technicians and move on to become Cartographers and Cartographic Editors. You may specialize in an area such as geological or military mapping. You may also choose to become a freelance consultant or an academician, but opportunities are scarce.

With experience, you may become a Team or Project Manager; you may take on greater responsibility for junior staff along with projects and decision making. There may also be more opportunities to transfer to other parts of the business.

In a small company, you may need to be geographically flexible to advance. You may specialize in GIS, photogrammetry (the science of making measurements from photographs), 3D visualization, map animation, or desktop publishing, which can open up further opportunities.

Although limited, there are opportunities for experienced Cartographers to move into self-employment and supply a specialist product or service to other cartographic companies or publishers.

Job prospects of Cartographers are likely to be excellent due to the increasing use of maps in government planning.

Since there are no dedicated Cartography degree courses, on-the-job-training is the general norm. The focus is on developing practical skills. In a governmental organization or a large company, Cartographers will probably start their career as part of a structured training program. Following this initial training period, they will continually pick up new skills and knowledge while on the job.

In a larger company, you may move through different departments and develop your skills in specialist areas such as GIS, photogrammetry, and digital mapping. You might also receive external training in specific software packages.

In a smaller company, you may work on more varied projects to build your skills. Employers may provide sponsorship for postgraduate study if you lack a master’s qualification. You will need to undertake continuing professional development (CPD) to keep updated about the latest software development.

Cartographers are involved with the scientific, technological, and artistic aspects of developing and producing maps. They present complex information as diagrams, charts, spreadsheets, and conventional maps.

Maps and detailed geographical information are essential for various purposes, from everyday use to large-scale industrial development. The use of geographical information systems (GIS) and digital mapping techniques now dominates the role.

Maps have come a long way from cave drawings of hunting territories to precise modern maps using satellite images and GPS, but Ptolemy’s equations from ancient Greece are still used.

Though Cartographers today do not usually get the same kind of esteem that they did back when hand-drawn and engraved maps were expensive, prized pieces of art, cartography is still a challenging discipline that is equal parts art and science. Practicing cartography usually goes hand-in-hand with being an artist, engraver, writer, or other creatives. One thing all Cartographers have in common is a fascination with the world around them. If that is what sails your boat, then this is the chosen path for you!

Cartographers do not need to be master programmers to create interactive maps - just a little skill and a willingness to write some code go a long way.