Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
Cartographers and photogrammetrists make maps of different areas.
Cartographers collect geographic, political, and cultural information and prepare or revise maps of large areas. Photogrammetrists use photos taken from an airplane to make or revise maps of hard-to-reach places.
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists are in the Architecture and Construction career cluster and the Design and Pre-Construction pathway.
Quick Facts
Wages: |
Well above the statewide median
$28.34 / hour Read more about wages |
Outlook: |
Percent Growth
10.5% Average Read more about outlook |
Education & Training: |
Bachelor's degree is common. |
On the Job: |
Work Activities
Assess your skills |
Job Title Examples: |
Compiler,
Digital Cartographer,
GIS Analyst (Geographic Information Systems Analyst)
See more job title examples |
Source: Minnesota Department of Education, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, and CareerOneStop.
Wages & Outlook
Wages
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. Self-employed cartographers and photogrammetrists must provide their own insurance.
View the Regional Wage Comparison Chart for:
Employment
In Minnesota, about 103 cartographers and photogrammetrists work in this very small occupation.
About 14 percent of cartographers and photogrammetrists are self-employed.
Major employers:
- Engineering firms
- Federal, state, and local government agencies
Outlook
Technological advancements in data collection and analysis are making cartographers and photogrammetrists more efficient. However, the demand for their services is also increasing. For example, construction is expected to increase. This means construction companies will need more maps. In addition, mobile devices with Global Positioning System (GPS) technology has greatly increased the use of maps. Cartographers and photogrammetrists will continue to be needed to provide the data for these maps.
Opportunities will be best for cartographers and photogrammetrists who have at least a bachelor's degree and strong technical skills. This is because employers are looking for workers who can use new technologies.
Employment of cartographers and photogrammetrists can be sensitive to the economy. When the economy slows down, so does construction. During these periods, cartographers and photogrametrists may face stronger competition for jobs. They may also be laid off. However, because these workers can work on many different types of projects, they may have steadier work than other workers when construction slows.
| Employment | Employment Change | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2020 | Number | Percent | |
| U S | 13,800 | 16,900 | 3,100 | 22.5% |
| Minnesota | 219 | 242 | 23 | 10.5% |
| 2010 | 2020 | Number | Percent | |
| Central Minnesota | 22 | 23 | 1 | 4.5% |
| Northeast Minnesota | 12 | 12 | 0 | 0% |
| Northwest Minnesota | 20 | 23 | 3 | 15% |
| Southeast Minnesota | 25 | 26 | 1 | 4% |
| Seven County Mpls-St Paul, MN | 137 | 153 | 16 | 11.7% |
Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and Minnesota Department of Education.
On the Job
Overview
Cartographers and photogrammetrists make maps of different areas.
It's not a shock to hear that maps are very useful. When you need to find directions, maps are the things to use. But maps can tell you much more. For example, they can highlight the safety zones on a college campus. They can show the patterns of wildlife populations in national parks. They can even show where ATMs are located.Cartographers gather information about places. They collect geographic, political, and cultural information and prepare or revise maps of large areas. Photogrammetrists also prepare maps. They use photos taken from an airplane to make or revise maps of hard-to-reach places. They also use satellite imagery or other data from remote sensing technology.
Cartographers and photogrammetrists travel over or through different areas to check existing maps. They double-check the locations and names of places and markers. They also check legal records to determine the boundaries of an area. They decide what information is important and what needs to be updated.
When they begin to prepare the map, cartographers and photogrammetrists figure out details such as scale and color. They have to figure out how to make a small map match up in relative distances to the larger area. This is scale, and cartographers and photogrammetrists use math formulas to figure it out.
Cartographers and photogrammetrists come up with a final design plan. They design and draft the map. This may be done by hand with drafting or drawing tools, although it is commonly done on computers. Cartographers especially depend on GIS (Geographic Information Systems) to perform their work. Cartographers and photogrammetrists work with others such as mapping scientists and surveyors. They check on each step of the design and drafting so that the final product will be accurate.
Work Activities
The following list of occupational tasks is specific to this career.
- Correct existing maps and charts or create new ones.
- Use aerial photographs and remote sensing data as guides for new maps and charts.
- Travel over photographed area to record details and verify current maps and charts.
- Determine what information to use in mapping an area.
- Study legal records to find out boundaries of area to be mapped.
- Analyze current data, such as maps, surveys, and photos, to figure out the names and locations of geographic features.
- Figure out the scale of the map using math formulas. Decide on final details such as color, size, and projection.
- Develop final design concept of map. Inspect for completeness and accuracy.
- Prepare actual map according to final plan.
- Build and update digital databases.
People in this career perform the following list of tasks, but the tasks are common to many occupations.
- Use computers.
- Get information needed to do the job.
- Update and use job-related knowledge.
- Process information.
- Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates.
- Identify objects, actions, and events.
- Document and record information.
- Organize, plan, and prioritize work.
- Analyze data or information.
- Make decisions and solve problems.
- Evaluate information against standards.
- Establish and maintain relationships.
- Think creatively.
- Monitor events, materials, and surroundings.
- Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed.
- Coordinate the work and activities of others.
- Teach others.
- Explain the meaning of information to others.
Working Conditions
In a typical work setting, people in this career:
- Spend half their time interacting with others.
- Are responsible for the work outcomes and results of others.
- Use the telephone and e-mail daily.
- Often work as part of a team.
- Write letters and memos monthly.
- Communicate with coworkers in person daily.
- Usually work indoors.
- Must be certain that a job is done accurately and completely.
- Repeat the same physical and mental tasks daily.
- Work in a moderately competitive environment.
- Rarely consult a supervisor before making a decision.
- Meet strict deadlines weekly.
- May work more than 40 hours a week to meet deadlines.
- May have a flexible schedule if they freelance for different companies or organizations.
Interpersonal Relationships
Physical Work Conditions
Work Performance
Hours/Travel
Physical Demands
In a typical work setting, people in this career:
- Sit for long periods of time.
- Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
- Repeat the same movements.
- See details of objects whether they are nearby or far away.
- Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
- Understand the speech of another person.
- Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
- Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
- Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
- Determine the distance between objects.
- Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
- Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
- Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
People in this career frequently:
It is important for people in this career to be able to:
It is not as important, but still necessary, for people in this career to be able to:
Source: Minnesota Department of Education.
Education & Training
Preparation
To work as a cartographer or photogrammetrist, you typically need to:
- have a high school diploma or GED; and
- have a bachelor's degree.
Education after high school
Most cartographers and photogrammetrists have a bachelor's degree. Some have a master's degree. Recommended majors are:
- Geography
- Civil Engineering
- Forestry
- Geology
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.
Related Programs (Current training programs available)
Fields of Study (What to study to prepare for this career)
Click on any of the Fields of Study listed below to find out more about preparing for this career.
- Cartography
- Civil Engineering
- Drafting and Design Technology
- Forestry
- Geography
- Geological and Earth Sciences
- Mining Technology
- Natural Resources Conservation
- Surveying Technology
Level of Education
The table below lists the level of education attained by a subset of workers in this occupation. The workers surveyed were between age 25 and 44.
| Education level attained | Percentage of workers in this occupation* |
|---|---|
| Less than high school diploma | 0 |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 0 |
| Some college, no degree | 14 |
| Associate degree | 11 |
| Bachelor's degree | 60 |
| Master's degree | 13 |
| Doctoral (Ph.D.) or professional degree | 2 |
* National data for cartographers and photogrammetrists (SOC 17-1021).
Helpful High School Courses
In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements.
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 occupation include:
- Computer Applications
- Drawing and Painting
- Geography
- Geology
- Keyboarding
- Photography
Many cartographers and photogrammetrists are self-employed. To help you monitor your finances and taxes, you should consider taking these courses as well:
- Accounting
- Entrepreneurship
- Introduction to Business
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.
Source: Minnesota Department of Education.
Skills
People in this career need to:
- Read and understand written information.
- Express ideas clearly when speaking or writing.
- Listen to others, understand, and ask questions.
- Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
- Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
- Develop rules or follow guidelines for arranging items.
- Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
- Make sense of information by studying it.
- Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
- Identify problems and review information. Develop, review, and apply solutions.
- Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
- Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
- Identify ways to measure and improve system performance.
- Determine how a system should work. Study how changes in conditions affect outcomes.
- Think of new ideas or original and creative ways to solve problems.
- Use math and science skills to solve problems.
- Manage the time of self and others.
- Check how well one is learning or doing something.
- Be aware of others' reactions and change behavior in relation to them.
- Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
- Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.
- Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
Communicate
Reason and Problem Solve
Use Math and Science
Manage Oneself, People, Time and Things
Work with People
Perceive and Visualize
Knowledge
People in this career need knowledge in the following areas:
- Geography: Knowledge of land, sea, and air masses. Also includes knowledge of how to describe their location, features, and relationships.
- Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of computer hardware and software.
- Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of how to build machines, buildings, and other things. Also includes knowledge of how to use computers, machines, and tools to do work more usefully.
- Mathematics: Knowledge of the rules and uses of numbers. Areas of knowledge include arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and statistics.
- Design: Knowledge of making and using plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
- Production and Processing: Knowledge of how products are made and supplied.
Interests
People in this career are people who tend to:
- Consider achievement important. They like to see the results of their work and to use their strongest abilities. They like to get a feeling of accomplishment from their work.
- Consider good working conditions important. They like jobs offering steady employment and good pay. They want employment that fits their individual work style. They may prefer doing a variety of tasks, working alone, or being busy all the time.
- Consider independence important. They like to make decisions and try out ideas on their own. They prefer jobs where they can plan their work with little supervision.
- Consider support from their employer important. They like to be treated fairly and have supervisors who will back them up. They prefer jobs where they are trained well.
- Have realistic interests. They like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like to work with plants, animals, and physical materials such as wood, tools, and machinery. They often prefer to work outside.
- Have investigative interests. They like work activities that have to do with ideas and thinking. They like to search for facts and figure out solutions to problems mentally.
- Have conventional interests. They like work activities that follow set procedures, routines, and standards. They like to work with data and detail. They prefer working where there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Source: Minnesota Department of Education.
Tools & Technology for Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
Tools
Aircraft guidance systems
| Map measurers
|
Technology
Analytical or scientific software
| Information retrieval or search software
|
Licensing / Certification
Certification Details
Certifications are examinations that test or enhance your knowledge, experience or skills in an occupation or profession.
There are 11 certifications related to this career.
Licensing Details
No State of Minnesota license requirements are found for this career.
Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and CareerOneStop.
Jobs
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Hiring Practices
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.
Advancement Opportunities
Cartographers and photogrammetrists who have strong mapmaking and supervisory skills may become office supervisors. However, they should expect to work on maps throughout their careers.
Job Title Examples
Compiler, Digital Cartographer, GIS Analyst (Geographic Information Systems Analyst), GIS Manager (Geographic Information Systems Manager), Production Manager, GIS Technician (Geographic Information Systems Technician), Photogrammetric Technician, Stereo Compiler
Similar Careers
Below are careers similar to Cartographers and Photogrammetrists you may be interested in reading about.
If you are looking to broaden your job search,
these careers require similar skills. Click on the names to link to their career profile.
Geographers
Geographic Information Systems Specialists
Geologists and Geophysicists
Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists
Park Naturalists
Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists
Social Science Research Assistants
Surveying and Mapping Technicians
Surveyors
Related Industries
Below are industries related to Cartographers and Photogrammetrists you may be interested in reading about. Employers in these industries typically hire
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists. Click on the names to link to their industry profile.
Air Transportation
Construction
Education
Engineering, Accounting, And Architecture
Professional And Consulting Services
Real Estate
Software And Computer Services
Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and Minnesota Department of Education.
