What is a Mapping Technician?
Position Description Calculate mapmaking information from field notes, and draw and verify accuracy of topographical maps.
Life As a Mapping Technician: What Do They Do?
- Lay out and match aerial photographs in sequences in which they were taken and identify any areas missing from photographs.
- Enter Global Positioning System (GPS) data, legal deeds, field notes, or land survey reports into geographic information system (GIS) workstations so that information can be transformed into graphic land descriptions, such as maps or drawings.
- Check all layers of maps to ensure accuracy, identifying and marking errors and making corrections.
- Compute and measure scaled distances between reference points to establish relative positions of adjoining prints and enable the creation of photographic mosaics.
- Design or develop information databases that include geographic or topographic data.
- Redraw or correct maps, such as revising parcel maps, to reflect tax code area changes, using information from official records or surveys.
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Qualities of a Mapping Technician
When polled, Mapping Technicians say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Types of Mapping Technician Jobs
- Drafting Technician
- Mapping Supervisor
- Cartographic Technician
- Mapping Technician
- Geospatial Analyst
Job Outlook for Mapping Technicians
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 60,200 jobs in the United States for Mapping Technician. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 10.6% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 6,400 new jobs for Mapping Technician by 2026. The BLS estimates 7,200 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Mapping Technician are North Dakota, Utah, and Texas. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Maine, or Washington. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Salary for a Mapping Technician
The average yearly salary of a Mapping Technician ranges between $27,360 and $74,110.
Mapping Technicians who work in California, Alaska, or Massachusetts, make the highest salaries.
How much do Mapping Technicians make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $42,850 |
| Alaska | $59,850 |
| Arizona | $53,730 |
| Arkansas | $43,000 |
| California | $69,910 |
| Colorado | $52,360 |
| Connecticut | $58,360 |
| Delaware | $42,010 |
| Florida | $40,900 |
| Georgia | $42,180 |
| Hawaii | $48,300 |
| Idaho | $45,090 |
| Illinois | $55,410 |
| Indiana | $41,030 |
| Iowa | $48,590 |
| Kansas | $43,350 |
| Kentucky | $38,960 |
| Louisiana | $44,540 |
| Maine | $43,640 |
| Maryland | $49,820 |
| Massachusetts | $59,320 |
| Michigan | $38,070 |
| Minnesota | $55,170 |
| Mississippi | $43,030 |
| Missouri | $42,560 |
| Montana | $49,120 |
| Nebraska | $45,530 |
| Nevada | $51,400 |
| New Hampshire | $48,300 |
| New Jersey | $49,800 |
| New Mexico | $47,440 |
| New York | $52,470 |
| North Carolina | $43,800 |
| North Dakota | $51,200 |
| Ohio | $44,280 |
| Oklahoma | $45,870 |
| Oregon | $54,570 |
| Pennsylvania | $47,600 |
| Rhode Island | $53,980 |
| South Carolina | $38,250 |
| South Dakota | $39,180 |
| Tennessee | $46,020 |
| Texas | $42,740 |
| Utah | $51,090 |
| Vermont | $51,840 |
| Virginia | $47,570 |
| Washington | $51,100 |
| West Virginia | $42,750 |
| Wisconsin | $43,500 |
| Wyoming | $47,870 |
What Tools & Technology do Mapping Technicians Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Mapping Technicians:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- JavaScript
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft Visio
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Database software
- Structured query language SQL
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
- Geographic information system GIS software
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Graphics software
- Bentley MicroStation
- ESRI ArcView
How to Become a Mapping Technician
Education needed to be a Mapping Technician:
How many years of work experience do I need?
Who Employs Mapping Technicians?
The table below shows the approximate number of Mapping Technicians employed by various industries.
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those thinking about becoming a Mapping Technician might also be interested in the following careers:
Are you already one of the many Mapping Technician in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: Mike1979 Russia via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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