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Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
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.
Other titles employers use
Aerial Photogrammetrist · Cartographer · Cartographic Designer · Digital Cartographer · Mapper · Photogrammetric Technician · Photogrammetrist · Stereo Compiler
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- 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.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to organizing, analytical and practical work.
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
- Analytical
- Investigating questions, testing ideas, and solving problems
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Active Learning
- Speaking
Subjects to know
- Geography
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Design
- Mathematics
Useful strengths
- Written Comprehension
- Oral Comprehension
- Near Vision
- Inductive Reasoning
- Oral Expression
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 3.1 | Shared rooms, but not shoulder to shoulder |
| On your feet | 1.8 | Mostly seated |
| Talking face to face | 4.6 | Continuous — the job is conversations |
| Working with your hands | 4.1 | Handling tools, instruments or materials |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for a bachelor's degree. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- A certificate or some college 46%
- A four-year degree 30%
- A master's degree 13%
- A two-year degree 11%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Graphics or photo imaging software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Development environment software
- Document management software
- Geographic information system
- Desktop publishing software
- Electronic mail software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 1,670
- Job openings each year
- 120
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- 20.1%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 1,670 | 120 | 20.1% |
| California | 1,200 | 80 | 9.1% |
| North Carolina | 1,010 | 70 | 13.5% |
| Virginia | 860 | 60 | 4.9% |
| Oregon | 760 | 50 | 16.9% |
| Maryland | 700 | 50 | 9.4% |
| Florida | 630 | 40 | 12.5% |
| New York | 510 | 0 | 4.1% |
| Washington | 470 | 40 | 14.6% |
| Michigan | 360 | 20 | 5.9% |
| Arizona | 350 | 20 | 9.4% |
| Georgia | 290 | 20 | 11.5% |
| Nevada | 280 | 20 | 3.7% |
| Wisconsin | 270 | 20 | 8.0% |
| Utah | 250 | 20 | 31.6% |
| Ohio | 240 | 20 | 4.3% |
| Minnesota | 230 | 20 | 4.5% |
| Montana | 210 | 10 | 16.7% |
| Missouri | 200 | 10 | 5.3% |
| Idaho | 190 | 10 | 11.8% |
| Kentucky | 180 | 10 | 5.9% |
| New Hampshire | 170 | 10 | 13.3% |
| Pennsylvania | 160 | 10 | 6.7% |
| Tennessee | 150 | 10 | 15.4% |
| South Dakota | 130 | 10 | 8.3% |
| New Jersey | 120 | 10 | — |
| Kansas | 110 | 10 | 10.0% |
| Oklahoma | 110 | 10 | 10.0% |
| Alaska | 100 | 10 | — |
| Illinois | 100 | 10 | 11.1% |
| South Carolina | 100 | 10 | 11.1% |
| Connecticut | 70 | 10 | — |
| Maine | 70 | 0 | — |
| Nebraska | 70 | 0 | — |
| Alabama | 60 | 0 | 20.0% |
| Arkansas | 60 | 0 | 20.0% |
| Iowa | 60 | 0 | — |
| Indiana | 50 | 0 | 25.0% |
| Mississippi | 50 | 0 | — |
Career to college
Build a path toward this work.
Start with a related major, then compare colleges where students complete that field.
Where to study
Colleges with strong activity in these fields.
Start with program size, admission, and likely cost. Open a college for the full picture.
University of Arizona
- Degrees each year
- 233
- Admit rate
- 86%
- Annual cost after aid
- $16,000
Farmingdale State College
- Degrees each year
- 180
- Admit rate
- 69%
- Annual cost after aid
- $12,000
Kennesaw State University
- Degrees each year
- 145
- Admit rate
- 69%
- Annual cost after aid
- $15,000
University of Central Oklahoma
- Degrees each year
- 136
- Admit rate
- 82%
- Annual cost after aid
- $18,000
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
- Degrees each year
- 118
- Admit rate
- 57%
- Annual cost after aid
- $7,000
Arizona State University Digital Immersion
- Degrees each year
- 114
- Admit rate
- 64%
- Annual cost after aid
- —
Norwich University
- Degrees each year
- 111
- Admit rate
- 74%
- Annual cost after aid
- $17,000
University of New Haven
- Degrees each year
- 102
- Admit rate
- 81%
- Annual cost after aid
- $32,000