Cartographer
What is the work like?
As a cartographer, it would be your job be to produce maps and other detailed geographical charts, surveys and graphs. This information can be used in many ways, from maps for everyday use, to specialised charts used by industry, surveying or the military.
Your job might involve updating existing maps, or making maps of regions that have not been mapped before. You would use the latest high-tech equipment and techniques to collect geographic information, and to convert the data into visual images and graphs. Your tasks could include:
- designing maps and adding colour, symbols and scales
- using desktop publishing and specialist image manipulation software to produce and edit maps
- checking that maps and charts are accurate and to scale
- collecting and analysing data from remote sensors, satellites and other sources
- working closely with surveyors and designers
- using geographical information systems (GIS) to model and analyse landscape features
- using digital photogrammetric equipment to plot the heights and positions of geographical features from aerial photographs
- carrying out topographic (land) and hydrographic (marine) surveys.
With experience, you might also manage projects and staff.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
To work as a cartographer, you will usually need a degree in one of the following subjects:
- geography
- geographical information systems (GIS)
- surveying and mapping science
- topographic science
- earth sciences
- urban and land studies.
These subjects often include mapping as part of the course. Other degree subjects that could be useful are surveying, civil engineering, oceanography or computing.
To work in the more specialised areas of cartography such as remote sensing, you may increase your chances by taking a further postgraduate qualification in GIS or another mapping-related subject.
Check with colleges or universities for exact course entry requirements. You can find a list of cartography-related degrees and postgraduate courses at the British Cartographic Society's website.
What further training and development can I do?
You will be trained on the job in a range of specialist surveying techniques and computer packages. Larger employers like government departments often run structured training schemes lasting from six months to two years.
You could also take short courses in subjects like photogrammetry, GIS, digital mapping and map design. The Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry Society and several universities offer various useful short courses.
You may be able to progress further in your career by taking a relevant Master's degree. Your employer may provide sponsorship for postgraduate study.
See the Society of Cartographers' and the British Cartographic Society websites for details of membership and networking opportunities.
Where can I go for more information?
c/o Royal Geographical Society1 Kensington Gore
London
SW7 2AR
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Related profiles...
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries are around £18,000 a year.
- With experience, earnings can be around £30,000.
- Management salaries can reach £45,000 a year.
What are the hours and working conditions?
Your standard working hours would be 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. You may sometimes have to work extra hours to meet deadlines for publication or finishing a project.
You would be office-based and spend a lot of your time working with computer technology.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- a keen interest in geography and the environment
- excellent computer and mathematical skills
- design skills
- good spatial awareness
- the ability to analyse information from different sources
- patience
- a logical approach
- a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
What opportunities are there?
The government is one of the main employers of cartographers, in departments including Ordnance Survey, the Ministry of Defence, the Met Office and the Department of Transport.
You could also work for local authority planning departments, oil and utilities companies, universities, commercial map publishers and the British Geological Survey. With experience you could also work freelance, although you usually need to have your own mapping equipment for this.
Jobs are usually advertised in the national press and specialist industry journals and websites. Vacancies in government departments are also on the Civil Service Recruitment Gateway website.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading (links open new window):
British Cartographic Society Job Opportunities
Society of Cartographers Vacancies
Earthworks
GPS World
Geomatics World
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
Search
Contact an adviser
Email
Call back
or phone: 0800 100 900
Bilingual advisers available
Face-to-face advice
