Cartographer
A cartographer is involved with the scientific, technological and artistic aspects of developing and producing maps. Cartographers present complex information as diagrams, charts and spreadsheets, as well as in the form of conventional maps. Geographical information systems (GIS) and digital-mapping techniques now dominate the role.
Maps and detailed geographical information are needed for a range of purposes, from everyday use by individuals to large-scale industrial development.
Cartographers work within a variety of areas, including publishing, government, surveying and conservation. The role varies widely from the development and design of geographical information to more strategic and technical work.
The traditional methods employed in map-making have been superseded by the use of IT, enabling the generation and manipulation of dynamic images on screen. These developments have led to changes in the nature of the profession: within map-making, almost all the data is now collected and transmitted electronically, whereas in cartographic illustration the change has been less marked. In commercial cartographic publishing, the work has more in common with book publishing, requiring innovative design skills.
A cartographer's role can vary widely; from the technical role of the development, maintenance and manipulation of cartographic databases to the promotion of effective and efficient visualisation of geospatial information, to the design of bespoke maps.
Typical work activities may include:
Relevant degree subjects include:
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:
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.
Most large employers, such as government departments and commercial companies, provide in-house structured training courses for new entrants. These range from six months to two years in duration. As well as covering areas of specialist knowledge relating to the organisation, training may also focus on acquiring and developing practical cartographic skills, including use of specific design software packages.
Commercial employers may provide trainees with an opportunity to visit each of their departments. Skills and knowledge are then developed within the workplace, often with the aid of a mentor, for the remaining probationary or training period.
In addition, on-the-job training may be provided in areas including:
Sponsorship for postgraduate study and opportunities to attend short courses are increasingly provided by employers across both the public and private sectors. Check with prospective employers about opportunities for this type of support with training and professional development.
Progression depends greatly on the size, structure and nature of the employing organisation, as well as the qualities and motivation of the individual. For cartographers working for small companies, geographical mobility can be important for career development. Mobility has also become more important with the increase in fixed-term contracts.
Cartographers in the early stages of their career often work towards gaining greater responsibility for projects and decision-making. This can lead to positions as team leader or into management. Government departments often have very structured promotion progression routes. Within larger organisations there are more opportunities to transfer to other parts of the business.
Developments in new media and the increasing use of technology have increased the opportunities for cartographers to move into related areas such as photogrammetry, remote sensing, geographical information systems (GIS) and some aspects of IT-related consultancy. There are opportunities for self-employment in supplying a specialist product or service to other cartographic companies or publishers.
Many cartographers are employed by parts of the government; they work mainly for the following departments:
Small numbers are employed in other government departments, such as:
Public utilities companies, such as electricity, gas and water, employ people with cartographic skills, as do the planning departments of local authorities, although they may not have the job title cartographer. Cartographers are also employed by oil companies and by private consultancies. Some cartographers may work for commercial map publishers who produce the 'A to Z' series, road atlases (which need constant updating), and historical and commemorative maps.
The Royal Air Force (RAF) takes on air cartographers at the technician level.
Other employers include geographical information systems (GIS) companies, automotive service agencies and land and air survey consultants. They are also employed by specialist cartographic and mapping companies as well as by specialist bodies, such as The Macaulay Institute , the British Geological Survey (BGS) and the British Antarctic Survey (BAS). Visit the corporate members directory on the British Cartographic Society website for an insight into private companies in this area.
The British Cartographic Society Corporate Directory and the Geo Directory are useful for speculative applications.
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