Occupation Details
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
Research, study, and prepare maps and other spatial data in digital or graphic form for one or more purposes, such as legal, social, political, educational, and design purposes. May work with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). May design and evaluate algorithms, data structures, and user interfaces for GIS and mapping systems. May collect, analyze, and interpret geographic information provided by geodetic surveys, aerial photographs, and satellite data.
Quick Navigation
Interests
Realistic
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Conventional
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
Achievement
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Working Conditions
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$51,470.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$62,550.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$76,350.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
16,070
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
17,230
+116 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
1,301
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.1%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
Degree Needed - Four-year college
Experience Requirements
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Education Requirements
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
State License and Certifications Requirements are not currently associated with this occupation.
Apprenticeship
Contact your regional representative to learn more about apprenticeships available in your area by visiting Apprenticeship Contacts.
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Geography
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Achievement/Effort
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Innovation
Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Aerial imagery mapping-grade global positioning systems GPS
- Analytical stereoplotters
- Automatic levels
- Color digital camera systems
- Color inkjet plotters
- Compasses
- Computer servers
- Digital camcorders
- Digital image printers
- Digitizers
- Dividers
- Drafting machines
- Film processors and editors
- French curves
- Global positioning system GPS receivers
- Lamination systems
- Large-format aerial digital cameras
- Large-format plotters
- Laser imaging detection and ranging LIDAR systems
- Laser printers
- Mapping grade global positioning system GPS receivers
- Notebook computers
- Panoramic digital line cameras
- Personal computers
- Photo enlargers
- Photogrammetric scanners
- Planimeters
- Protractors
- Remote sensing equipment
- Scales
Technology
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe Systems Adobe Creative Suite
- Adobe Systems Adobe Dreamweaver
- Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Systems Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Aerotriangulation adjustment software
- Aldus FreeHand
- Arbor Image Draftsman
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Autodesk World
- Bentley MicroStation
- Bentley Systems InRoads Suite
- Boeing SoftPlotter
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- prepare technical reports or related documentation
- draw prototypes, plans, or maps to scale
- draw maps or charts
- develop plans for programs or projects
- interpret aerial photographs
- interpret maps for architecture, construction, or engineering project
- determine specifications
- analyze technical data, designs, or preliminary specifications
- understand engineering data or reports
- understand property documents
- understand legal terminology
- analyze spatial data
- use drafting or mechanical drawing techniques
- use photogrammetric techniques
- use computer aided drafting or design software for design, drafting, modeling, or other engineering tasks
- use spreadsheet software
- use geographical information system (GIS) software
- read maps
- read technical drawings
- research property records
- collect geographic or physical data
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- Compile data required for map preparation, including aerial photographs, survey notes, records, reports, and original maps.
- Delineate aerial photographic detail, such as control points, hydrography, topography, and cultural features, using precision stereoplotting apparatus or drafting instruments.
- Prepare and alter trace maps, charts, tables, detailed drawings, and three-dimensional optical models of terrain using stereoscopic plotting and computer graphics equipment.
- Study legal records to establish boundaries of local, national, and international properties.
- Inspect final compositions to ensure completeness and accuracy.
- Revise existing maps and charts, making all necessary corrections and adjustments.
- Identify, scale, and orient geodetic points, elevations, and other planimetric or topographic features, applying standard mathematical formulas.
- Collect information about specific features of the Earth, using aerial photography and other digital remote sensing techniques.
- Examine and analyze data from ground surveys, reports, aerial photographs, and satellite images to prepare topographic maps, aerial-photograph mosaics, and related charts.
- Determine guidelines that specify which source material is acceptable for use.
- Build and update digital databases.
- Determine map content and layout, as well as production specifications such as scale, size, projection, and colors, and direct production to ensure that specifications are followed.
- Select aerial photographic and remote sensing techniques and plotting equipment needed to meet required standards of accuracy.
- Travel over photographed areas to observe, identify, record, and verify all relevant features.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
2006 Youth Enrichment Camps
FMCC's Youth Enrichment Camps offer a wide range of fun,educational opportunities. Make a movie, design a computer game, draw Manga, explore ancient Egypt, experiment with "matter", spatial information technology center, and more.
Learn MoreAmerican Design Drafting Association (ADDA)
The American Design Drafting Association (ADDA) is a professional membership and educational society dedicated to serving the professional growth and advancement of the individual working in the design drafting community. ADDA is the only membership organization dedicated exclusively to the professional designer/drafter in all disciplines.
Learn MoreCornell University Cooperative Extension New York City 4 H Youth Favorite Places
4 H Youth Favorite Places (YFP) is an activity designed to help teach youth about Geographic Information Systems/Global Positioning System (GIS/GPS) as well as provide a service to their community, in which youth "map" their favorite places in their community.
Learn MoreFulton Montgomery Community College's Youth Enrichment Camps
FMCC's Youth Enrichment Camps offer a wide range of fun,educational opportunities. Make a movie, design a computer game, draw Manga, explore ancient Egypt, experiment with matter, spatial information technology center, and more.
Learn MoreImager for Magnetopause-to-Aurora Global Exploration (IMAGE) Education Center
The IMAGE mission showed us space around the Earth is anything but empty, and that plasma clouds can be imaged and tracked just as we do from space for Earth's surface weather. IMAGE's Education Center provides information about auroral science and the Earth's magnetic field. The site includes links to pictures, movies, math exercices, activities and more.
Learn MoreSpatial Information Technology Center (SITC)
SITC is a collaborative effort between FMCC and NASA. Spatial information refers to data that is connected to a geographic location. Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing, and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are technologies for collecting, analyzing, and displaying spatial information.
Learn MoreSurveying, Mapping, and Drafting Technicians
Visit this link for information on this career in the military.
Learn MoreSurveyors, cartographers, photogrammetrists, and surveying technicians
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn MoreU.S. Geological Survey(USGS): Science for a Changing World
USGS is an unbiased, multi-disciplinary science organization that focuses on biology, geography, geology, geospatial information, and water, and are dedicated to the timely, relevant, and impartial study of the landscape, our natural resources, and the natural hazards that threaten us.
Learn MoreXpeditions Geography Standards in Your Classroom Lesson Plans
Xpeditions is home to the U.S. National Geography Standards. The Lesson Plans are teacher-tested, sorted by standard and grade level.
Learn More