Cartographer and Photogrammetrist Career
Cartographers are responsible for collecting geographic data and using it to create maps. They often are responsible for combining geographic data with data from other fields; for example, they may be asked to make a map that shows tax revenue by county. Photogrammetrists also create maps, but they are primarily responsible for collecting aerial and satellite data and using it to create elevation maps.
Both cartographers and photogrammetrists increasingly are responsible for creating interactive digital maps. In order to do so, they need familiarity with mapping software used to analyze geographic information system data. They will frequently work with government agencies or private entities who contract them to make maps of specific areas.
Cartographer and Photogrammetrist Career Snapshot
Most cartographers and photogrammetrists are based out of offices, but some may have to travel to conduct fieldwork. The majority (33 percent) are employed by architectural or engineering related companies while 26 percent work for local government. Most work full time.
Further details on a career as a cartographer and photogrammetrist are listed below (statistics from the May 2015 Bureau of Labor Statistics and Onet Online):
is the average salary for cartographers and photogrammetrists per year.
increase in employment between 2014 and 2024.
have a Bachelor’s degree while 19% have a High school diploma.
Cartographer & Photogrammetrist Education
The majority (54 percent) of cartographers and photogrammetrists have bachelor’s degrees. If you intend to join this profession, you should consider majoring in geography or a related field. Cartographers and photogrammetrists also require a thorough understanding of math and a basic knowledge of programming.
Cartographer & Photogrammetrist Job Duties
Cartographers and photogrammetrists spend the majority of their time using computers to convert raw geographic data into maps. They may spend time comparing maps and analyzing them for differences in order to find the most accurate representation of an area. They will spend time consulting with clients to determine the specifics of what the client requires in a map.
Cartographer & Photogrammetrist Salaries
According to BLS.gov data, the median salary for cartographers and photogrammetrists was $61,880 in May 2015. The top 10 percent of earners made $98,210 or more, while the bottom 10 percent made $39,470 or less. Earning a master’s degree or becoming certified by the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing may help increase your salary.
Cartographer & Photogrammetrist Job Outlook
The demand for cartographers and photogrammetrists is currently growing at a much faster than average rate. In 2014, there were 12,300 cartographers and photogrammetrists in the United States, and it is expected that this number will grow by 29 percent through 2024.
Cartographer and Photogrammetrist Skills & Traits
| Cartographer & Photogrammetrist Skill Set: | Required Abilities: | Tools Used by Cartographers & Photogrammetrists: | Typical Work Activities: |
|---|---|---|---|
| • Reading Comprehension • Active Listening • Critical Thinking • Writing • Active Learning | • Near Vision • Oral Comprehension • Written Comprehension • Oral Expression • Written Expression | • Digital cameras • GPS receiver • • Plotter printers • Radarbased surveillance systems | • Working with computers • Getting information • Using relevant knowledge • Processing information • Communicating with others |
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