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Cartographer

Do you want to become a Cartographer? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

Job Description - Print Page

Cartographers are makers of maps. These could be:

• detailed town plans used by local people and visitors
• Ordnance Survey maps used by walkers or military personnel on exercise
• road atlases that help people plan journeys
• maps of other countries
• specialist maps for geological, political and environmental purposes.

Cartographers research information from a variety of sources, and they design and compile maps for either printed or digital publication. They use the latest high-tech equipment, and graphic design and image manipulation software.

Most cartographers work normal office hours, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Some employers may offer flexitime options. Many work in an office, sitting at a desk with a computer. There may be some UK and overseas travel.

Cartographers usually earn between £12,000 and £35,000, or more, a year.

A cartographer needs to have:

• the ability to analyse and manage information from different sources
• patience and the ability to concentrate
• a logical approach to collecting and presenting data
• precision and accuracy, paying great attention to detail
• an interest in graphic design, maps and geography.

Jobs exist with a wide range of employers such as:

• local and central government departments
• the Armed Forces
• national mapping agencies
• utility companies (gas, water, electricity)
• companies that design, produce and sell GIS software (geographic information systems)
• publishers and atlas producers.

Prospects are particularly good for those with skills in computerised mapping or qualifications in GIS. Most cartographers are graduates who have studied mapping-related subjects such as geography, mapping sciences, geomatics and GIS. Junior posts as a mapping technician may be open to those with HND qualifications.

Training is usually on the job. Some employers, such as The UK Hydrographic Office, train their staff in specialised areas of mapping.

Many cartographers specialise or continue their studies at higher degree level. There are opportunities to move into senior posts, and those with languages are well placed to find work overseas.

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