Cartography is the practice of making maps. With the use of photographs, satellite images, historical data, and surveying, cartographers are able to make maps of different kinds. Amongst the kinds of maps that cartographers work on are topographic, climate, geographic, and thematic maps. Depending on the information needed by the client or company, these professionals carry out their job orders with careful attention to detail and spacial dynamics.
What Do Cartographers Do?
Although there are many different industries that make use of cartographers, construction is a field that frequently need cartographers. As part of a construction project cartographers may be asked to survey and map out topographical information in order for engineers to clearly understand the layout of the land. Other uses for cartographers is in the planning and finalization of construction, where they create maps of the building layout and its surroundings. Throughout the cartographic process, cartographers may be asked to perform some of the following tasks:
- Inspection and survey of the construction site
- Analysis of photographs, satellite images, historical documents, and computer-aided designs
- Interpretation of collected data into drawings or computer-aided map designs
- Conceptualize and produce map designs according to required specifications
- Revise, correct, or update existing maps
- Advise other professionals regarding scaling, costs, technical, and aesthetic information
What Is Needed to Become a Cartographer?
Since cartography is a technical job that requires patience and determination, it is important that those looking to enter the field are interested in geography, mapping, and surveying. Educational requirements vary depending on job and company needs. Whereas some employers prefer applicants who have a cartography-related degree (such as geography, structural engineering, etc.), others accept high school graduates with good experience. Adequate communication, drawing, design, and computer skills are needed to be successful at this job. Compensation varies depending on the project being worked on, as well as the qualification and experience of the applicant.
