Life As a Cartographer or Photogrammetrist
Job Description: Collect, analyze, and interpret geographic information provided by geodetic surveys, aerial photographs, and satellite data. Research, study, and prepare maps and other spatial data in digital or graphic form for 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.
Life As a Cartographer or Photogrammetrist: What Do They Do?
- Build and update digital databases.
- Determine guidelines that specify which source material is acceptable for use.
- Determine map content and layout, as well as production specifications such as scale, size, projection, and colors, and direct production to ensure that specifications are followed.
- Travel over photographed areas to observe, identify, record, and verify all relevant features.
- Revise existing maps and charts, making all necessary corrections and adjustments.
- Identify, scale, and orient geodetic points, elevations, and other planimetric or topographic features, applying standard mathematical formulas.
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Skills Needed to be a Cartographer or Photogrammetrist
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Related Job Titles
- Topographer
- Photogrammetric Technician
- Photo Cartographer
- Stereoplotter Operator
- LiDAR Technician (Light Detection and Ranging Technician)
Job Opportunities for Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
There were about 12,600 jobs for Cartographer or Photogrammetrist in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 19% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 2,400 new jobs for Cartographer or Photogrammetrist by 2026. The BLS estimates 1,200 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Cartographer or Photogrammetrist are Colorado, Oregon, and Utah. Watch out if you plan on working in Rhode Island, Mississippi, or Maine. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of a Cartographer or Photogrammetrist
The average yearly salary of a Cartographer or Photogrammetrist ranges between $40,960 and $101,400.
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists who work in New Jersey, California, or Washington, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Cartographers and Photogrammetrists in different U.S. states.
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $65,660 |
| Alaska | $67,920 |
| Arizona | $66,830 |
| Arkansas | $52,480 |
| California | $84,540 |
| Colorado | $73,150 |
| Connecticut | $72,270 |
| Florida | $62,160 |
| Georgia | $54,620 |
| Hawaii | $67,670 |
| Idaho | $56,350 |
| Illinois | $77,070 |
| Indiana | $57,420 |
| Kansas | $58,710 |
| Kentucky | $70,060 |
| Louisiana | $71,480 |
| Maine | $67,460 |
| Maryland | $79,440 |
| Massachusetts | $73,290 |
| Michigan | $65,610 |
| Minnesota | $71,070 |
| Mississippi | $58,840 |
| Missouri | $64,270 |
| Montana | $52,130 |
| Nebraska | $68,150 |
| Nevada | $75,300 |
| New Hampshire | $53,990 |
| New Jersey | $84,120 |
| New Mexico | $69,250 |
| New York | $78,780 |
| North Carolina | $56,530 |
| Ohio | $70,550 |
| Oklahoma | $56,250 |
| Oregon | $64,290 |
| Pennsylvania | $63,360 |
| South Carolina | $53,020 |
| South Dakota | $55,310 |
| Tennessee | $58,380 |
| Texas | $64,620 |
| Utah | $57,310 |
| Vermont | $62,940 |
| Virginia | $81,750 |
| Washington | $81,620 |
| West Virginia | $55,030 |
| Wisconsin | $64,490 |
| Wyoming | $57,110 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Cartographers and Photogrammetrists:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Python
- Microsoft Access
- Email software
- Word processing software
- SAP
- Microsoft Windows
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Structured query language SQL
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
- Extensible markup language XML
Becoming a Cartographer or Photogrammetrist
What kind of Cartographer or Photogrammetrist requirements are there?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where Cartographers and Photogrammetrists Are Employed
The table below shows the approximate number of Cartographers and Photogrammetrists employed by various industries.
References:
Image Credit: Couleur via public domain (CC0)
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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