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Cartographers and Photogrammetrists


At a Glance

  • Photogrammetrists use aerial photos to make maps
  • Use both analytical and creative skills
  • Must pay attention to detail
  • Use Geographic Information Service (GIS) systems
  • Work mostly indoors
  • Most work for engineering or architectural firms or government agencies
  • Have a bachelor's degree

Career summary

Cartographers and photogrammetrists gather geographic and other types of data to create maps and charts.

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Cartographers and photogrammetrists create maps. When designing a map, cartographers and photogrammetrists must take into consideration how the map will be used and who will use it. Some maps are designed for legal purposes and others for travel or education. The content and layout of a map help determine specifications such as size, scale, and color.

Cartographers gather and analyze geographic data and design maps based on themes, such as:

If they are revising an existing map, they double check all the locations and names of places and markers. They also check legal records to determine the boundaries of an area.

Photogrammetrists create maps using photographs taken from airplanes, satellites, and remote sensing systems. They plan aerial surveys to ensure they have covered all the land area for a map. Sometimes they use computers to build 3-D models to help create a map.

Cartographers and photogrammetrists sometimes travel to areas they are mapping in order to identify relevant features. After they decide which data to feature in a map, they figure out details, such as scale and color. They use math formulas to calculate scale. They use drafting tools and computers to draw maps in graphical (paper) or digital format. When a map is complete it is inspected for accuracy.

More cartographers are using GIS (Geographic Information Systems) to perform their work. These systems allow data to be stored and accessed for a variety of purposes such as maps, charts, tables, and reports.

Cartographers and photogrammetrists work with others such as mapping scientists and surveyors.

Related careers

This career is part of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

Military careers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to cartographers and photogrammetrists.

Common work activities

Cartographers and photogrammetrists perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, cartographers and photogrammetrists:

Interpersonal relationships

Physical work conditions

Work performance

Hours/travel

Physical demands

Cartographers and photogrammetrists frequently:

It is important for cartographers and photogrammetrists to be able to:

It is not as important, but still necessary, for cartographers and photogrammetrists to be able to:

Skills and abilities

Cartographers and photogrammetrists need to:

Communicate

Reason and problem solve

Use math and science

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

Work with people

Perceive and visualize

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

Other programs of study to consider

Training

To work as a cartographer or photogrammetrist, you typically need to:

Education after high school

Most cartographers and photogrammetrists have a bachelor's degree. Some have a master's degree. Recommended majors are:

Whatever major you choose you should take as many classes as you can in geography, geographic information systems, and cartography.

Work experience

You may be able to become a cartographic assistant without a college education. In a few cases, this could lead to cartographic work. You must have excellent technical skills for this route to succeed. This is because these workers use computers and geographic information systems.

High school students interested in this occupation should try a summer job with a construction company or other company that prepares maps. Federal government agencies may have part-time jobs for cartographic assistants.

On-the-job training

Most beginning cartographers and photogrammetrists receive some on-the-job training. The length of training varies by employer. In general, these workers receive between six and 12 months of training.

Employers may send new employees to software training. Rapid changes in hardware and software require you to spend time each year learning new techniques and software programs.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be surveying, mapping, and drafting technicians. Training lasts nine to 31 weeks, depending on your specialty. Further training occurs on the job.

A second option is to be trained as an intelligence officer. You need a bachelor's degree to enter this occupation. Training lasts 23 to 26 weeks.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum (external link) may be different from your state's graduation requirements (external link).

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups (PDF file) that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers look for cartographers and photogrammetrists who have earned a bachelor's degree in geography, engineering, forestry, or another physical science. They look for workers who know how to use computers and mapping software. They also prefer to hire people with a portfolio of completed maps.

Costs to workers

Some workers may wish to join a professional association, which may have annual dues. Union workers pay membership fees.

Licensing/certification

Many states require cartographers and photogrammetrists to be licensed as surveyors, and some states have specific licenses for photogrammetrists. Requirements vary by state.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website (external link).

Wages

Cartographers and photogrammetrists (SOC 17-1021)

Location
Pay Period
10%
25%
Median
75%
90%
Washington Hourly $27.86 $32.12 $37.86 $45.86 $52.49
Monthly $4,828 $5,566 $6,561 $7,948 $9,097
Yearly $57,950 $66,810 $78,740 $95,380 $109,190
    Bellingham Hourly $22.12 $25.10 $34.73 $39.40 $48.41
Monthly $3,833 $4,350 $6,019 $6,828 $8,389
Yearly $46,002 $52,206 $72,245 $81,961 $100,692
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Hourly $30.71 $34.88 $41.17 $48.94 $58.00
Monthly $5,322 $6,045 $7,135 $8,481 $10,051
Yearly $63,874 $72,542 $85,653 $101,782 $120,647
    Spokane-Spokane Valley Hourly $27.36 $32.16 $36.02 $40.32 $46.65
Monthly $4,741 $5,573 $6,242 $6,987 $8,084
Yearly $56,897 $66,887 $74,921 $83,872 $97,036
    Vancouver Hourly $20.23 $25.39 $31.74 $40.55 $47.78
Monthly $3,506 $4,400 $5,501 $7,027 $8,280
Yearly $42,064 $52,813 $66,030 $84,343 $99,386
United States Hourly $19.69 $24.61 $30.98 $39.81 $48.75
Monthly $3,412 $4,265 $5,369 $6,899 $8,448
Yearly $40,960 $51,180 $64,430 $82,810 $101,400

Cartographers and photogrammetrists who work full time for the government or for mapmaking companies usually receive benefits. These include paid holidays and vacation, health insurance, and a retirement plan. Freelance cartographers and photogrammetrists may not receive these benefits. However, they may be able to increase their earnings by working for several companies and organizations. 

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

 

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists (SOC 17-1021)

Location Current employment Growth over 10 years Annual openings
This
occupation
All
occupations
Washington 360 19.7% 16.1% 42
    Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties 21 4.8% 15.2% 2
    Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties 27 0.0% 14.1% 2
    Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties 29 24.1% 14.6% 4
    King County 161 28.0% 19.6% 22
    Pierce County 32 9.4% 15.2% 3
    Snohomish County 12 25.0% 12.4% 1
    Spokane County 22 9.1% 13.9% 2
United States 11,800 14.4% 5.2% 1,100

National employment

Major employers:

National outlook

Demand will be very strong for this occupation, however, it is a small occupation and few jobs will be created. Increased demand is due to the need for reliable and accurate maps. The use of maps and mapping data by governments and private companies will also increase demand. The management of forests and waterways will also require maps to be updated more and more frequently. 

Opportunities will be best for people who have a bachelor's degree and updated skills such as experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This is because employers are looking for workers who can use new technologies.

Other resources

American Geophysical Union (external link)
2000 Florida Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20009
800.966.2481
202.462.6900
American Geosciences Institute (external link)
4220 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22302
703.379.2480
American Institute of Professional Geologists (external link)
1333 W. 120th Avenue
Suite 211
Westminster, Colorado 80234-2710
303.412.6205
American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) Career Brochure (external link)
Careers in Cartography and GIS (external link)
(from the Cartography and Geographic Information Society)
International Cartographic Association (external link)
Society of Women Engineers (external link)
130 East Randolph Street, Suite 3500
Chicago, IL 60601
877.793.4636

References

Career cluster

Career path

O*Net (external link) occupation

O*Net job zone (external link)

DOT occupations

Holland occupational clusters

COPSystem