Life As a Cartographer or Photogrammetrist
Cartographer or Photogrammetrist Example 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.
List of Cartographer or Photogrammetrist Job Duties
- Examine and analyze data from ground surveys, reports, aerial photographs, and satellite images to prepare topographic maps, aerial-photograph mosaics, and related charts.
- Prepare and alter trace maps, charts, tables, detailed drawings, and three-dimensional optical models of terrain using stereoscopic plotting and computer graphics equipment.
- Compile data required for map preparation, including aerial photographs, survey notes, records, reports, and original maps.
- Build and update digital databases.
- 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.
- Inspect final compositions to ensure completeness and accuracy.
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Things a Cartographer or Photogrammetrist Should Know How to Do
When polled, Cartographers and Photogrammetrists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Other Cartographer or Photogrammetrist Job Titles
- Photogrammetric Engineer
- Photogrammetrist
- Digital Cartographer
- LiDAR Technician (Light Detection and Ranging Technician)
- Orthophotography Technician
Cartographer or Photogrammetrist Job Outlook
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 12,600 jobs in the United States for Cartographer or Photogrammetrist. 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 1,200 job openings in this field each year.
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.
Do Cartographers and Photogrammetrists Make A Lot Of Money?
The salary for Cartographers and Photogrammetrists ranges between about $40,960 and $101,400 a year.
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists who work in New Jersey, California, or Washington, make the highest salaries.
How much do Cartographers and Photogrammetrists make in each U.S. state?
| 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 |
What Tools & Technology do Cartographers and Photogrammetrists Use?
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
- Spreadsheet software
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Structured query language SQL
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
- Extensible markup language XML
How to Become a Cartographer or Photogrammetrist
Are there Cartographers and Photogrammetrists education requirements?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Cartographer or Photogrammetrist?
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists Sector
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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