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Occupation AtlasCartographers and Photogrammetrists

O*NET · 17-1021.00

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.

Also called Aerial Photogrammetrist · Cadastral Mapper · Cartographer · Cartographic Designer · Cartographic Drafter · Cartography Technician · Data Mapper · Digital Cartographer
17 more

Field Map Editor · Geospatial Specialist · Imagery Analyst · LIDAR Technician · LIDAR Technician (Light Detection and Ranging Technician) · Map Editor · Map Maker · Mapper · Maritime Cartographer · Orthophotography Technician · Photo Cartographer · Photogrammetric Engineer · Photogrammetric Technician · Photogrammetrist · Stereo Compiler · Stereoplotter Operator · Topographer

Job Zone 4 — Considerable Preparation NeededHolland code CIR35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Appraisers of Personal and Business Property

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed

Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

CIRConventional · Investigative · Realistic — the three strongest interests, in order

  • C Conventional5.34
  • I Investigative5.18
  • R Realistic4.62
  • A Artistic3.55
  • S Social1.78
  • E Enterprising1.64

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Post-Secondary Certificate36%
  • Some College Courses11%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree11%
  • Bachelor's Degree30%
  • Post-Baccalaureate Certificate2%
  • Master's Degree11%
Related work experience
None (36%)
On-site or in-plant training
Up to and including 1 month (35%)
On-the-job training
Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (36%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Reading Comprehensionbasic4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.53.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Writingbasic3.53.6Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Active Listeningbasic3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Active Learningbasic3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Complex Problem Solving3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Monitoringbasic3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Speakingbasic3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Time Management3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
  • Coordination3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Social Perceptiveness3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
Show the other 23
  • Mathematicsbasic2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the square footage of a new home under construction
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Systems Analysis2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Instructing2.83.0Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Service Orientation2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Systems Evaluation2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Negotiation2.42.1Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Persuasion2.42.1Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Quality Control Analysis2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Operations Monitoring1.91.8Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Sciencebasic1.91.5Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
  • Programming1.91.1Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
  • Troubleshooting1.81.4Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Management of Financial Resources1.60.8
  • Operations Analysis1.60.8
  • Technology Design1.60.8
  • Management of Material Resources1.60.6
  • Equipment Selection1.51.0Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Equipment Maintenance1.40.5
  • Operation and Control1.40.4
  • Repairing1.3—
  • Installation1.0—

Tasks

11 core · 3 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Compile data required for map preparation, including aerial photographs, survey notes, records, reports, and original maps.4.5
  2. Delineate aerial photographic detail, such as control points, hydrography, topography, and cultural features, using precision stereoplotting apparatus or drafting instruments.4.5
  3. Prepare and alter trace maps, charts, tables, detailed drawings, and three-dimensional optical models of terrain using stereoscopic plotting and computer graphics equipment.4.5
  4. Study legal records to establish boundaries of local, national, and international properties.4.3
  5. Revise existing maps and charts, making all necessary corrections and adjustments.4.2
  6. Inspect final compositions to ensure completeness and accuracy.4.2
  7. Identify, scale, and orient geodetic points, elevations, and other planimetric or topographic features, applying standard mathematical formulas.4.1
  8. Collect information about specific features of the Earth, using aerial photography and other digital remote sensing techniques.4.0
  9. Examine and analyze data from ground surveys, reports, aerial photographs, and satellite images to prepare topographic maps, aerial-photograph mosaics, and related charts.4.0
  10. 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.3.8
  11. Build and update digital databases.3.8
Show the other 3
  1. Determine guidelines that specify which source material is acceptable for use.4.0
  2. Select aerial photographic and remote sensing techniques and plotting equipment needed to meet required standards of accuracy.3.7
  3. Travel over photographed areas to observe, identify, record, and verify all relevant features.2.9

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Geography4.56.3Level 7 looks like: Develop a map of the world showing mountains, deserts, and rivers
  • Computers and Electronics4.24.9Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • English Language3.54.1Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Design3.44.3Level 4 looks like: Design plans for remodeling a kitchen
  • Mathematics3.34.3Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Customer and Personal Service2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Education and Training2.84.0Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Engineering and Technology2.83.0Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
Show all 33
  • Administration and Management2.73.3Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Law and Government2.62.5Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Production and Processing2.52.7
  • Administrative2.43.6Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Communications and Media2.42.9
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.22.4Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Transportation2.22.2Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Public Safety and Security2.11.5Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Telecommunications2.11.8Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Building and Construction2.01.3Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Physics1.71.5Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • History and Archeology1.61.3Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
  • Mechanical1.61.1Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Sales and Marketing1.60.9Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Psychology1.50.9Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Biology1.40.9Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • Economics and Accounting1.40.9Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.40.6Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Foreign Language1.3—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.30.5Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Philosophy and Theology1.1—
  • Chemistry1.0—
  • Fine Arts1.0—
  • Food Production1.0—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Written Comprehension4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Near Vision3.94.1Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
  • Oral Comprehension3.94.1Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Inductive Reasoning3.64.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Deductive Reasoning3.53.9
  • Oral Expression3.54.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Written Expression3.53.9Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Flexibility of Closure3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
Show all 52
  • Far Vision3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Information Ordering3.33.5Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Visualization3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Category Flexibility3.13.6Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Problem Sensitivity3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Speech Clarity3.13.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speech Recognition3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Fluency of Ideas3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Mathematical Reasoning3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
  • Originality3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Perceptual Speed3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Selective Attention3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Finger Dexterity2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Number Facility2.93.1Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.93.0Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
  • Control Precision2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Speed of Closure2.82.9Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Time Sharing2.62.6Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Memorization2.52.9
  • Auditory Attention2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Depth Perception2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Manual Dexterity2.32.0Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Trunk Strength2.01.4Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Hearing Sensitivity1.81.5Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Dynamic Strength1.50.6
  • Extent Flexibility1.50.8
  • Spatial Orientation1.40.6
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.40.6
  • Multilimb Coordination1.3—
  • Reaction Time1.1—
  • Response Orientation1.1—
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—
  • Explosive Strength1.0—
  • Glare Sensitivity1.0—
  • Gross Body Coordination1.0—
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.0—
  • Night Vision1.0—
  • Peripheral Vision1.0—
  • Rate Control1.0—
  • Sound Localization1.0—
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.0—
  • Stamina1.0—
  • Static Strength1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Getting Information4.94.7Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Working with Computers4.74.0Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards4.24.4Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.24.5Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.24.2Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge4.25.4Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Analyzing Data or Information4.14.2Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization4.14.4Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
Show all 41
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.14.2Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Documenting/Recording Information4.13.8Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Processing Information4.15.3Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Thinking Creatively3.94.5Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.85.2Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.83.7Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.73.9Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.74.3Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.53.4Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public3.54.0Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.43.8Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment3.33.0Level 4 looks like: Specify the furniture and equipment for a new school
  • Developing and Building Teams3.23.0Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others3.23.3Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Training and Teaching Others3.23.4Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.93.0Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials2.72.9
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.73.3Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.62.4Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Controlling Machines and Processes2.52.9
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.32.2Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.22.2Level 1 looks like: Show a coworker how to operate a piece of equipment
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.11.9Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.02.4Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment2.01.7Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment1.91.4Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Handling and Moving Objects1.81.3Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
  • Performing General Physical Activities1.71.1Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
  • Selling or Influencing Others1.5—
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.3—

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled5.0
  • E-Mail4.9
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.9
  • Spend Time Sitting4.8
  • Telephone Conversations4.7
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.6
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.4
  • Contact With Others4.2
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General4.2
  • Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities4.1

Technology

70 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (2)

  • ESRI ArcGIS softwarehot
  • Geographic information system GIS systems

Hot (23; 1 more marked hot above)

  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Adobe Creative Cloud software
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe InDesign
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Bentley MicroStation
  • C
  • Extensible markup language XML
  • JavaScript Object Notation JSON
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft Visual Basic
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word
  • Oracle Database
  • Python
  • SAP software
  • Structured query language SQL
Other tools (45)
  • Adobe Dreamweaver
  • Aerotriangulation adjustment software
  • Aldus FreeHand
  • Arbor Image Draftsman
  • Autodesk World
  • Bentley Systems InRoads Suite
  • Boeing Kork Digital Mapping
  • Boeing SoftPlotter
  • Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite
  • Corporate Montage CADScript
  • Cosmo Software Cosmo World
  • Digital databases
  • Digital mapping software
  • Email software
  • ERDAS ER Mapper
  • ESRI ArcInfo
  • ESRI ArcView
  • ESRI software
  • Geographic information system GIS software
  • Geomechanical design analysis GDA software
  • Hexagon Intergraph
  • IBM iSeries Access
  • Image analysis software
  • Image processing software
  • Intergraph ImageStation Stereo Softcopy Kit SSK
  • Leica AEROPLAN LiDAR
  • MapInfo
  • Mapping software
  • Mapthematics GeoCart
  • Master Seafloor Digital Database
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer
  • MultiGen Paradigm Vega Prime
  • Precision analytical aerotriangulation pugging software
  • Quark Immedia
  • QuarkXPress
  • Rand McNally World Digital Database
  • RockWare ArcMap
  • RSI ENVI
  • SAP Adaptive Server Enterprise
  • Software development tools
  • Standardized general markup language SGML
  • Steroplotter software
  • Terrasolid TerraScan
  • Textron Systems Geospatial Solutions RemoteView
  • World Vector Shoreline

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Surveying and Mapping Technicians
  2. Geodetic Surveyors
  3. Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians
  4. Remote Sensing Technicians
  5. Surveyors
  6. Geographers
  7. Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists
  8. Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
  9. Architectural and Civil Drafters
  10. Data Scientists

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.