Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
Additional Information
Duties
Cartographers share the following traits:
- Collect environmental data.
- Represent yearly precipitation patterns as data visualizations.
- Assemble data from ground surveys and satellite pictures.
- Create maps for educational or environmental purposes.
- Maps, graphs, and charts.
- Photogrammetrists often conduct the following:
- Plan aerial and satellite surveys to get a complete view of the area.
- Elevation and distance data are gathered and evaluated spatially.
- Make maps to add GIS (geographic information system) data to.
A mapmaker is a cartographer in cartography. A photogrammetrist employs numerous technologies to build maps of the Earth's surface.
Cartographers and photogrammetrists employ geodetic surveys (land surveys that account for Earth's curvature) and remote sensing equipment like aerial cameras and satellites. Some employ LIDAR (light-imaging detection and ranging) technology. LIDAR systems use lasers placed on planes or cars to digitally map the Earth's surface. LIDAR can detect tree location and density more precisely than traditional surveying methods.
Cartographers and photogrammetrists often create online and mobile maps. Cartographers and photogrammetrists collect data and create maps for mobile phones and navigation systems.
Governments use cartographers and photogrammetrists to create maps and perform aerial surveys. These maps provide demographic statistics and population density. Some cartographers and photogrammetrists work with government agencies on national security and public safety initiatives. Accurate maps help emergency responders reach victims faster.
GIS refers to cartographers and photogrammetrists who use GIS software to create maps. The most prevalent use of GIS technology is digital data gathering, integration, analysis, and display. GIS maps combine visual and numerical data. These maps help environmental, geological, engineering, land use, and marketing decisions.
Education
To work in the field, they usually need a BS in cartography or photogrammetry. Geomatics encompasses several fields, including engineering, natural resources, and mathematics.
The use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) has increased the number of courses necessary for cartographers and photogrammetrists.
Cartographers should be familiar with web-based mapping technology, especially newer means of producing data such as cell phone location and in-car navigation systems.
A photogrammetrist must be knowledgeable in remote sensing, image processing, and light-imaging detection and ranging (LIDAR).
Internships can be beneficial for aspiring cartographers and photogrammetrists.
Licenses and certifications.
The criteria for cartography and photogrammetry vary per state. Others demand additional permissions for photogrammetry and remote sensing from cartographers and photogrammetrists. Licensing requires academic completion and passing a certification exam.
ASPRS certifies cartographers and photogrammetrists (ASPRS). The USGIF issues GIS certifications.
Candidates must meet specific educational and job requirements, as well as pass a test. Certificates aren't required, but they can assist an applicant get hired.
Importance Criteria
Computer literacy is required. To be effective, cartographers and photogrammetrists must have knowledge of computer data and code. With digital maps becoming the standard, the ability to edit them on a computer is a must.
The ability to think critically. Cartographers must be able to work with existing maps, surveys, and data to properly map features.
Decision-making capacity Both photogrammetrists and cartographers must balance readability and accuracy when generating maps. They must assess what information is required to meet the client's needs.
Particularized. Cartographers must pay great attention to the smallest details to make accurate maps. Photogrammetrists must pay close attention to detail while interpreting aerial photos and remote sensing data.
Possessing problem-solving skills. These tasks need cartographers and photogrammetrists to collaborate together.
Pay
The median annual wage for cartographers and photogrammetrists was $78,380 in May 2024. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $50,500, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $121,440.
Job Projections
Employment of cartographers and photogrammetrists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.