Cartographer : Entry requirements

Relevant degree subjects include:

• geographical information systems (GIS);
• computer science, software engineering or technology;
• physical, mathematical and applied sciences;
• earth sciences;
• geography and geology;
• geophysics and geotechnology;
• marine sciences and oceanography;
• surveying;
• urban and land studies;
• civil and structural engineering;
• graphic design.

Graduates are preferred but entry with an HND or foundation degree in one of the relevant subjects listed above is possible.

A cartography-related degree may give you the edge in job applications and future career development. The British Cartographic Society provides details of institutions that offer courses with core or additional cartographic elements. Details of courses related to GIS can be found at Go-Geo .

Occasionally, school leavers can obtain a junior post and progress through day-release study. Possession of a postgraduate qualification can be helpful for entering more specialised areas of the industry and for career development later on. Postgraduate courses are available in remote sensing, photogrammetry, geomatic engineering, GIS, oceanography and surveying.

Pre-entry experience is not necessary, but practical experience gained through work placements may be an advantage.

Candidates need to show evidence of the following:

• an interest in geography and the environment;
• an eye for layout and design, good spatial awareness and colour vision;
• IT literacy;
• analytical ability and problem-solving skills;
• high standards of accuracy, a systematic approach, attention to detail and attention to set procedures;
• the ability to interpret data, graphical representations and symbols;
• the ability to work independently.

Entry is very competitive and it may be necessary to take up a post involving more basic activities in order to make a start in the industry. Employers with vacancies tend to approach the universities that offer GIS, cartography or surveying-related degrees. There is an upturn in demand for cartographic skills, as cartography shakes off its traditional image of only being involved in paper mapping and becomes more involved in the proactive application of cartographic skills to the development of GIS databases and creation of a wide range of cartographic products.

Membership of the two main professional groups, the Society of Cartographers and the British Cartographic Society , is useful for making contacts and keeping up with developments.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.