Cartographers produce maps and other detailed geographical information like charts, surveys and graphs. The information they produce is used in many ways, such as in maps for everyday use, or specialised charts used by industry, surveying or the military.

Cartographers may work on regions that have not been mapped before, or they may bring existing maps up-to-date. They use the latest high-tech equipment and techniques to collect geographic information, and use graphic design and image manipulation software to convert the data into visual images and graphs.

As a cartographer, your work may include:

• designing maps and adding colour, symbols and scales
• using desktop publishing packages and other specialist software to produce and edit maps
• checking that maps and charts are accurate and to scale
• collecting and analysing data from remote sensors, satellites and other sources
• liaising with surveyors and designers
• using geographical information systems (GIS) to model and analyse landscape features
• using digital photogrammetric equipment to plot the heights and positions of geographical features from aerial photographs
• carrying out topographic (land) and hydrographic (marine) surveys
• managing projects and staff.

Hours and Environment

As a cartographer you will usually work 9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday. You may sometimes have to work extra hours to meet deadlines for publication or finishing a project.

You will usually be based in an office. The job involves a lot of work with computers.

Skills and Interests

To become a cartographer, you should:

• be interested in geography and the environment
• have good computer and mathematical skills
• have design skills and good spatial awareness
• be able to analyse data from different sources
• be patient
• have a logical approach
• work accurately and pay attention to detail.

Entry

To work as a cartographer, you will usually need a degree in one of the following subjects:

• geography
• geographical information systems (GIS)
• surveying and mapping science
• topographic science
• earth sciences
• urban and land studies.

There are no degrees in cartography alone, but the above subjects often include cartography as part of the course.

Other degree subjects such as surveying, civil engineering, oceanography or computing could also be useful.

To work in the more specialised areas of cartography such as remote sensing, you may increase your chances by taking a further postgraduate qualification in GIS or another mapping-related subject.

Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements for degrees and postgraduate courses.

See the British Cartographic Society's website for a list of cartography-related degrees and postgraduate courses.

Training

You will normally be trained on the job in a range of specialist surveying techniques and computer packages. Larger employers like government departments often run structured training schemes of six months to two years long.

You could also take short courses in subjects like photogrammetry, GIS, digital mapping and map design. The Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry Society and several universities offer various useful short courses.

You may be able to progress further in your career by taking a relevant Master's degree. Your employer may provide sponsorship for postgraduate study.

See the Society of Cartographers' and the British Cartographic Society websites for details of their membership and networking opportunities.

Opportunities

The government is one of the main employers of cartographers, in departments including:

• Ordnance Survey and Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland
• Ministry of Defence, in the Geographic and Imagery Intelligence Agency Headquarters
• the Hydrographic Office (UK
• the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the Met Office and the Department of Transport.

You could also find work in:

• local authority planning departments
• oil and utilities companies
• universities
• commercial map publishers
• specialist cartographic and mapping companies
• the British Geological Survey.

Mapping is a small industry and competition for jobs is strong.

Jobs in government agencies are usually advertised in the national press and the Civil Service recruitment website. Other jobs are advertised on the British Cartographic Society and the Society of Cartographers websites, and specialist industry journals and websites. See the British Cartographic Society's website for a list of many of the private companies involved in mapping.

As an experienced cartographer, you may also be able to find freelance work for cartographic companies or publishers. However, opportunities for this can be limited and you will usually need your own mapping equipment. If you are a member of the British Cartographic Society, you can advertise your details in the society's freelance directory.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Starting salaries are usually around £15,000 to £18,000 a year.
Cartographers with three to five years' experience could earn £20,000 to £30,000.
Senior cartographers may earn up to £45,000.

Further information

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