Cartographer

Cartographer job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

Cartographers are concerned with all aspects of map-making (scientific, technological and artistic). They are responsible for:

• researching, collecting, storing, retrieving, evaluating and manipulating data;
• checking the accuracy of maps;
• liaising with information providers, clients and external contacts and accessing and using aerial photographs and satellite images.

Information technology plays an important role within the profession, and has dramatically changed the nature of the work. Traditional scribing, tracing and lettering map-making processes have been replaced with remote sensing, computerised mapping and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) packages. Data is collected, stored and transferred electronically, and computers are used to design, create and produce maps.

Cartographers are employed by government organisations such as the MET Office, the Land Use Institute, Ordnance Survey, the Mapping and Charting Establishment RE and the Hydrographic Office. Other employers include local authorities, utilities, service agencies (such as The AA), private consultancies and commercial map publishers.

Qualifications and training required

A variety of degree subjects are acceptable for entry into the profession. These include geology, earth sciences, civil/structural engineering, surveying, geography, geophysics/geochemistry, marine sciences, oceanography, computer science and software engineering. Graduates possessing a postgraduate qualification in a subject such as GIS, cartography, photogrammetry, surveying or remote sensing are normally at an advantage.

Key skills for cartographers

Would-be cartographers must be able to demonstrate a genuine interest in the work, and must have meticulous attention to detail and good IT and design skills.