Cartographer

Your Fit

Income

$78K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

5.0%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Cartographer?

A Cartographer is a professional who designs and produces maps of various types, combining scientific and artistic skills to represent geographic data visually. They use geographic information systems (GIS) and other technologies to create maps for educational, governmental, or business purposes.

Sample job titles:

Cartographer, Photogrammetric Technician, Photogrammetrist, Stereo Compiler

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Cartographer.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Cartographer earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$50K per year	$63K per year	$78K per year	$100K per year	$121K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $29K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Cartographer do?

Work environment

Cartographers typically work in an office setting, often for government agencies, architectural firms, or private mapping companies. The role involves working on computers with mapping software, as well as potential fieldwork to gather data. Collaboration with geographers, surveyors, and engineers is common.

Quick task list

Creates and updates maps using GIS technology and digital mapping tools.
Analyzes spatial data and incorporates it into maps.
Designs maps in various formats, including digital and print.
Collaborates with clients to determine their mapping needs.
Conducts fieldwork to gather geographical data when necessary.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Physical Cartography: Focusing on physical features of the earth, like mountains and rivers.
Cultural Cartography: Mapping human-made features and cultural data.
GIS Cartography: Specializing in the use of GIS technology for map-making.
Thematic Cartography: Creating maps focused on specific themes, such as demographic or environmental data.
Topographic Cartography: Concentrating on detailed representations of physical features of a landscape.

Description

Cartography is a field that merges creativity with analytical skills, requiring a balance between aesthetic design and accurate representation of data. Modern cartographers rely heavily on technology, especially GIS, to create detailed and informative maps. They must be adept at interpreting geographic data and converting it into a format that is both useful and accessible to users.

The role of a cartographer has evolved significantly with advancements in technology. Today's cartographers must be proficient in various software programs and be able to handle large datasets. They often work on diverse projects, from urban planning and resource management to the creation of educational materials and navigation tools.

Communication skills are important in this field, as cartographers need to understand the requirements of clients or stakeholders and translate these into functional maps. Attention to detail is crucial, as is the ability to work both independently and as part of a team on projects.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

The creative aspect of designing and producing maps.
The opportunity to contribute to a wide range of fields, from environmental conservation to urban planning.
The satisfaction of translating complex data into clear, user-friendly map formats.

You might make a good Cartographer if you are...

Interested in geography and visual design.
Proficient in technology, particularly GIS and mapping software.
Detail-oriented, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
A good communicator, able to collaborate effectively with others.
Enjoy combining creative design with practical applications.

Pros:

Diverse opportunities in various sectors, including government, education, and private industry.
The satisfaction of creating useful, informative, and visually appealing products.
Opportunities for fieldwork and travel in some positions.

Cons:

Potentially high levels of screen time due to extensive computer use.
May require ongoing learning to stay current with evolving mapping technologies.
Some positions may have limited creative freedom, focusing more on technical accuracy.

How to become a Cartographer

Typical education

Most cartographer positions require a bachelor's degree in cartography, geography, geomatics, surveying, or a related field, equating to about 4 years of post-secondary education. Advanced positions or specializations may require additional education or certification.

High school preparation

Courses:

Geography to understand physical and cultural features of the earth.
Computer science to gain foundational skills in technology and software.
Art and design for developing aesthetic skills in map-making.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in geography or science clubs.
Engaging in software or GIS-related workshops or online courses.
Volunteering in community projects that involve mapping or environmental studies.

Preparation after high school

Obtaining a bachelor's degree in cartography, geography, or a related field.
Pursuing internships in government agencies, mapping companies, or GIS-focused organizations.
Gaining certifications in GIS or related technologies for advanced skill development.

More resources

American Association of Geographers (AAG) - Provides resources and support for geographers and cartographers.
Esri Training - Offers courses and certifications in GIS and related technologies.
Cartography and Geographic Information Society (CaGIS) - A society dedicated to the advancement of cartography and GIScience.
GIS Lounge - Provides insights and resources for those interested in GIS and cartography.
National Geographic Society - Offers educational resources and information on geography and mapmaking.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.