CFChooseField
Engineering and Architecture

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

Research, study, and prepare maps and other spatial data in digital or graphic form for one or more purposes, such as 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. May collect, analyze, and interpret geographic information provided by geodetic surveys, aerial photographs, and satellite data.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
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Median pay

$78,380
Median annual pay for Cartographers and Photogrammetrists.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

6.4%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

1,000
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

13,400
Estimated U.S. employment for Cartographers and Photogrammetrists in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+900
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Bachelor's degree
Typical education needed to enter Cartographers and Photogrammetrists.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Reading Comprehension
  2. 2Critical Thinking
  3. 3Writing
  4. 4Active Listening
  5. 5Active Learning
  6. 6Monitoring

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Geography
  2. 2Computers and Electronics
  3. 3English Language
  4. 4Design
  5. 5Mathematics
  6. 6Customer and Personal Service

Abilities

  1. 1Written Comprehension
  2. 2Near Vision
  3. 3Oral Comprehension
  4. 4Inductive Reasoning
  5. 5Deductive Reasoning
  6. 6Oral Expression

Career interests

  1. 1Conventional
  2. 2Investigative
  3. 3Realistic
  4. 4Artistic
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Enterprising

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Intellectual Curiosity
  4. 4Cautiousness
  5. 5Integrity
  6. 6Achievement Orientation

Work activities

  1. 1Getting Information
  2. 2Working with Computers
  3. 3Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
  4. 4Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  5. 5Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  6. 6Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Work context

  1. 1Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  2. 2E-Mail
  3. 3Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  4. 4Spend Time Sitting
  5. 5Telephone Conversations
  6. 6Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

Representative tasks

  • Compile data required for map preparation, including aerial photographs, survey notes, records, reports, and original maps.
  • Delineate aerial photographic detail, such as control points, hydrography, topography, and cultural features, using precision stereoplotting apparatus or drafting instruments.
  • Prepare and alter trace maps, charts, tables, detailed drawings, and three-dimensional optical models of terrain using stereoscopic plotting and computer graphics equipment.
  • Study legal records to establish boundaries of local, national, and international properties.
  • Inspect final compositions to ensure completeness and accuracy.
  • Revise existing maps and charts, making all necessary corrections and adjustments.
  • Identify, scale, and orient geodetic points, elevations, and other planimetric or topographic features, applying standard mathematical formulas.
  • Collect information about specific features of the Earth, using aerial photography and other digital remote sensing techniques.

Software and tools

ESRI ArcGIS software · in demandGeographic information system GIS systems · in demandAdobe Acrobat · hot technologyOracle Database · hot technologyExtensible markup language XML · hot technologyPython · hot technologyMicrosoft Visual Basic · hot technologyMicrosoft SharePoint · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyC · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technology

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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