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Mapping Technician

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All About Mapping Technicians

Occupation Description Calculate mapmaking information from field notes, and draw and verify accuracy of topographical maps.

Daily Life Of a Mapping Technician

  • Trim, align, and join prints to form photographic mosaics, maintaining scaled distances between reference points.
  • 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.
  • Compare topographical features or contour lines with images from aerial photographs, old maps, or other reference materials to verify the accuracy of their identification.
  • Identify, research, and resolve anomalies in legal land descriptions, referring issues to title or survey experts as appropriate.
  • Research resources such as survey maps or legal descriptions to verify property lines or to obtain information needed for mapping.
  • 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.

What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Mapping Technician?

These are the skills Mapping Technicians say are the most useful in their careers:

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

  • Assessment Technician
  • Cartographic Technician
  • Tax Map Technician
  • Plane Tableman
  • Stereo Map Plotter Operator

Mapping Technician Employment Estimates

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. There will be an estimated 7,200 positions for Mapping Technician per year.

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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.

Mapping Technician Average Salary

The salary for Mapping Technicians ranges between about $27,360 and $74,110 a year.

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Mapping Technicians who work in California, Alaska, or Massachusetts, make the highest salaries.

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Mapping Technicians 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 do I Become a Mapping Technician?

Learn what Mapping Technician education requirements there are.

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How Long Does it Take to Become a Mapping Technician?

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Where Mapping Technicians Are Employed

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The table below shows the approximate number of Mapping Technicians employed by various industries.

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Similar Careers

Those interested in being a Mapping Technician may also be interested in:

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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