What Does it Take to Be a Mapping Technician?
Career Description Calculate mapmaking information from field notes, and draw and verify accuracy of topographical maps.
What Do Mapping Technicians Do On a Daily Basis?
- Create survey description pages or historical records related to the mapping activities or specifications of section plats.
- Compare topographical features or contour lines with images from aerial photographs, old maps, or other reference materials to verify the accuracy of their identification.
- Lay out and match aerial photographs in sequences in which they were taken and identify any areas missing from photographs.
- Research resources such as survey maps or legal descriptions to verify property lines or to obtain information needed for mapping.
- Form three-dimensional images of aerial photographs taken from different locations, using mathematical techniques and plotting instruments.
- Research and combine existing property information to describe property boundaries in relation to adjacent properties, taking into account parcel splits, combinations, or land boundary adjustments.
What Skills Do You Need to Work as 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
- Tax Map Technician
- Field Map Technician
- Photogrammetric Technician
- Mosaicist
Job Demand for Mapping Technicians
In the United States, there were 60,200 jobs for Mapping Technician in 2016. 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.
How Much Does a Mapping Technician Make?
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 each U.S. state?
| 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
Becoming a Mapping Technician
What education or degrees do I need to become a Mapping Technician?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where Mapping Technicians Work
Mapping Technicians work in the following industries:
You May Also Be Interested In…
Those interested in being a Mapping Technician may also be interested in:
Those who work as a Mapping Technician sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
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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