CARTOGRAPHERS California Occupational Guide Number 517 Interest Area 5-A 1996
TRENDS
Earth data gathering satellites and highly computerized systems such as the Global Positioning System (GPS) and the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and improvements in aerial photography are contributing to changes in cartographic occupations. Because of these technical advances, educational and computer experience requirements for entry level workers have quickly increased in recent years.
THE JOB
CARTOGRAPHERS compile, evaluate, design, draft, and oversee the production of new or revised maps and charts. Cartographers may also conduct research in mapping techniques, and procedures. New cartographic technology is revolutionizing the various processes involved in producing maps. For instance, Cartographers increasingly use computers in their work. Information of many types is fed into a computer and then stored until a particular map is needed. Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) systems allow map lines to be drawn on computer screens with information processed with the push of a button. Computer-Assisted Cartography (CAC) and Computer-Aided Mapping (CAM) also refer to this automation process. In addition to computers, modern data gathering techniques include aerial photography, satellite imagery and other sophisticated electronic data collection techniques.
Cartography involves many unique processes and requires the skills of a wide range of specialists. Some workers in cartographic occupations perform routine work while others have very technical jobs requiring many years of training and experience. In large organizations, some workers may specialize in one function, such as compiling, negative scribing, or editing. In smaller organizations, job duties may be combined in various ways depending upon the kinds of maps being made.
The following are some of the most common cartographic occupations:
Cartographic Drafters draw maps of geographical areas to show natural and constructed features and political boundaries. These workers analyze survey data, source maps and photographs, satellite data, and other records to determine location and names of features.
Photogrammetrists prepare original maps, charts, and drawings of inaccessible areas from aerial photographs and survey data. They apply mathematical formulas and photogrammetric techniques to identify, scale, and orient the size and shape of various features.
Stereo-plotter Operators draw topographic maps from aerial photographs. They use instruments which produce simultaneous projections of two photographs taken from different positions.
Map Editors verify the accuracy and completeness of maps by examining aerial photographs, old maps, and records to verify correct identification of specified features and scaled distances.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections and Planning Information report published by the Labor Market Information Division. The figures represent the broad occupational group Surveying and Mapping Technicians and Technologists which includes Map Editors and Stereo-Plotter Operators.
Estimated number of workers in 1993 3,240 Estimated number of workers in 2005 2,620 Projected Growth 1993-2005 -19% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 940
The figures below represent the broad occupational group Surveying and Mapping Scientists which includes the occupations of Cartographic Drafters and Photogrammetrists.
Estimated number of workers in 1993 3,920 Estimated number of workers in 2005 5,690 Projected Growth 1993-2005 45% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 1,540
(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)
WORKING CONDITIONS
While most cartographers work for federal, regional, state, and local governments, a substantial number work in private industry with engineering, architectural, and surveying firms. Many are also employed by businesses which specialize in map publishing or map drafting services. Government agencies hire cartographers in areas such as highway departments, land management, natural resources planning, and national defense.
The work is mainly sedentary and performed in clean, well-lighted, and well-ventilated surroundings. Cartographers generally work alone behind a desk, drawing board, or in the controlled environment of automated mapping equipment and computers. Few cartographers visit the places they map.
While some growth is expected in the employment of cartographers in private firms over the next several years, little growth is expected in the government sector. The continuing demand for maps will most likely be met by CAD and other technical advances in electronic data collection rather than by the hiring of additional workers. The occupation appears to be stable, with little turnover of workers. Openings occur occasionally, usually at entry level. Most job openings are expected to result from the need to replace those who change occupations, retire, or otherwise leave the labor force.
The rise in the use of computers, more complex technologies and automated equipment will result in less demand for workers with only manual mapping and drafting skills. As skills required of cartographers will become more specialized and more complex, competition for lower-skilled, entry level jobs will intensify. Job prospects will be better for those who have a college education in engineering or a physical science such as geography or geodesy, training in cartography, or in a closely related field.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Salaries vary widely depending on experience, training, talent, type of employer, and specific tasks performed. Entry salaries in private industry usually start about $1,500 to $1,900 a month. Experienced workers can earn from $2,400 to $3,500 a month or more. Salaries in the government sector range from $1,500 to over $5,000 a month. The regular work week is 40 hours, but some workers are employed part time. Paid vacations and holidays, health and life insurance, and sick leave are among the fringe benefits offered by many employers.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
There are numerous routes into cartographic occupations. Some workers complete an associate's or bachelor's degree program, while other workers begin as technicians, trainees, or aides and work up. When recruiting outside the organization, employers usually require Cartographers to have related work experience. However, some will hire trained, inexperienced applicants for entry level positions.
For the most part, employers look for applicants who have a high school education, plus two to four years of formal education in geography, geology, drafting (including CAD/computer-aided drafting), mathematics, trigonometry, or related fields. Depending upon the particular job, specialized courses such as surveying, cartography, photogrammetry and surveying may be needed. Besides the formal training, some employers want applicants to have from one to four years of cartographic experience. This is especially the case for Cartographers involved in advanced mapmaking, or who teach, do research, or supervise others.
In addition to meeting education and experience requirements, Cartographers should have patience, stamina, good concentration and good vision (including stereoscopic vision) with or without corrective lenses, manual dexterity, an analytical mind, and the ability to perform "detailed" work requiring a high degree of precision and accuracy.
ADVANCEMENT
In large organizations workers may be promoted to a variety of senior level or supervisory positions and to department managers.
FINDING THE JOB
Students and graduates of formal training programs have the use of placement services provided by their schools. Applicants should visit or call the nearest office of the Federal Job Information Center or contact the personnel departments of state and local government agencies and California Employment Development Department Job Service offices to find out about current opportunities. If applying directly to potential employers, applicants should investigate job opportunities with automobile clubs, large construction, transportation, and engineering firms and those engaged in the production of gas and electric power, petroleum exploration, and commercial mapmaking. The names and addresses of potential employers of workers in cartographic occupations may be found in the telephone directory Yellow Pages or with the associations listed below.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
The American Congress on Surveying and Mapping 5410 Grosvenor Lane Bethesda, MD 20814-2122 (301) 493-0200
American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing 5410 Grosvenor Lane, Suite 210 Bethesda, MD 20814-2160 (301) 493-0290
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Commercial Artists No. 4 Drafting Occupations No. 338
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed. Rev. 1) Drafter, Cartographic 018.261-010 Editor, Map 018.261-018 Photogrammetrist 018.261-026 Stereo-Plotter Operator 018.281-010
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Surveying and Mapping Scientists 223110 Surveying and Mapping Technicians 225210
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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