CARTOGRAPHERS make maps. Cartography involves many processes that require the skills of a wide range of specialists and technicians. Some workers in cartographic occupations perform routine work while others have technical jobs requiring years of training and experience. In large organizations, some workers may specialize in one function such as compiling or editing. In smaller organizations, job duties may be combined according to the type of maps produced.

Technology is revolutionizing the methods used to make maps. Cartographers use computers in their work more and more. Geographic, geodetic, political, and cultural information is fed into a computer and stored until a particular map is needed. Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) systems allow map lines to be drawn on computer screens with information processed at the push of a button. Computer-Assisted Cartography (CAC) and Computer-Aided Mapping (CAM) also refer to this automation process. Other modern data gathering techniques include aerial photography, satellite imagery, and advanced remote sensing electronic data collection techniques. Earth data-gathering satellites, computer systems such as the Global Positioning System (GPS) and the Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and improvements in aerial photography all contribute to changes in cartographic occupations.

Following are some of the most common cartographic specialties and tasks:

• Develop design concept of map product.
• Define production specifications, such as projection, scale, size, and colors of new or revised map products.
• Revise existing maps and charts and correct maps in various stages of completion.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret geographic information provided by geodetic surveys, aerial photographs, and satellite data.
• Conduct Research in mapping techniques and procedures.
• Analyze survey data, source maps, photographs, satellite data, and other records to determine location and names of features.
• Draw maps of geographical areas to show natural and constructed features and political boundaries.

• Prepare original maps, charts, and drawings of inaccessible areas from aerial photographs and survey data.
• Prepare mosaic prints, contour maps, profile sheets, and related cartographic material applying mastery of photogrammetric techniques and principles.
• Apply mathematical formulas and photogrammetric techniques to identify, scale, and orient the size and shape of various topographic features.
• Lay out and match aerial photographs in sequence taken, looking for missing areas.

• Draw topographic maps from aerial photographs using instruments which produce simultaneous projections of two photographs taken from different positions.
• Trace contours and topographical details to produce map.
• Form three-dimensional image of aerial photographs taken from different locations using mathematical aids, plotting instruments, and computers.

• Verify the accuracy and completeness of maps by examining aerial photographs, old maps, and records to verify correct identification of features and scaled distances.
• Store, retrieve, and compare map information using computers and data banks.

Skills, knowledge, and abilities common to the specialists in Cartography include the following:

• Geography - Understanding various methods for describing the location and distribution of land, sea, and air masses including their physical locations, relationships, and characteristics.
• Design - Knowing design techniques, principles, tools, and instruments.
• Mathematics - Applying knowledge of numbers, their operations, and interrelationships including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and using mathematics to solve problems.
• Information Gathering - Knowing how to find information and identifying essential information.
• Information Organization - Finding ways to structure or classify multiple pieces of information.
• Solution Appraisal - Observing and evaluating the outcomes of a problem solution to identify lessons learned or redirect efforts.
• Computers - Understanding of hardware and software including applications and programming.

In addition, Cartographers should have good concentration and vision (including stereoscopic vision), manual dexterity, an analytical mind, and the patience to perform detailed work requiring a high degree of precision and accuracy.

Cartographers usually work in comfortable and pleasant offices behind a desk or drawing board. The work requires little physical activity. Most of the work is done on a computer. Few Cartographers visit the places they map.

Union membership depends on the size and type of employer. Many government employees belong to unions.

The following information is from the occupational projections produced by the Employment Development Department’s Labor Market Information Division.

The figures represent the broad occupational group Surveying and Mapping Technicians, which includes Map Editors and Stereo-Plotter Operators.

Employment for this occupation is expected to grow somewhat slower than average.

The figures below represent the broad occupational group Surveying and Mapping Scientists, which includes the occupations of Cartographic Drafters and Photogrammetrists.

Professional associations such as those listed below can be a good place to find job leads. California job openings can be found at various online job-listing systems including CalJOBS^SM at www.caljobs.ca.gov or at JobCentral National Labor Exchange at www.jobcentral.org.

For other occupational and wage information and a listing of the largest employers in any county, visit the Employment Development Department Labor Market Information Web page at www.calmis.ca.gov.

Find further job search assistance from your nearest Job Service office www.edd.ca.gov/jsloc.htm or the closest One-Stop site, www.servicelocator.org/.

The American Congress on Surveying and Mapping
6 Montgomery Village Avenue, Suite 403
Gaithersburg, MD 20879
(240) 632-9716
Fax: (240) 632-1321
www.acsm.net

American Society for Photogrammetry
  and Remote Sensing (ASPRS)
The Imaging & Geospatial Information Society
5410 Grosvenor Lane, Suite 210
Bethesda, MD 20814-2160
(301) 493-0290
Fax: (301) 493-0208
www.asprs.org

California Land Surveyors Association
P.O. Box 9098
Santa Rosa, CA 95405-9990
(707) 578-6016
Fax: (707) 578-4406
www.ca-surveyors.org

Employment Projections by Occupation
www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/cgi/databrowsing/?PageID=145

Employment and Wages by Occupation
www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/cgi/career/?PageID=3&SubID=152

Note:  This is NOT a job opening. The purpose of This California Occupational Guide is to provide you with useful information to help you make career decisions. If you are searching for a job, go to:

• CalJOBS^SM (for jobs in California)
• JOBcentral (for jobs nationwide)