how to become a cartographer

The use of maps has existed for thousands of years.

With the advent of computers and online services, the possibility to create accurate maps and images has become easier for many mapping experts.

Cartographers and similar professionals are experienced at mapping, measuring and surveying the surface of the Earth.

People use maps for a variety of purposes.

This creates the need for highly trained professionals to create geographically correct maps.

Experienced Cartographers will know how to use advanced technology to take images of the earth.

These professionals will then use all of the gathered information in order to interpret and analyze the information and then create or update maps.

Students who are interested in this type of career can also look into the following similar jobs:

Surveyor
Photogrammetrists
Geographer

If you are a student who is interested in Geography and the Earth, you may want to read the following information regarding this profession.

Included below are the educational requirements, a general job description, the job outlook through the year 2018 and salary information.

Education Requirements to Become a Cartographer

In order for candidates to become a Cartographer , they must begin and complete a Bachelor's program at an accredited university or college.

Some popular fields of study include: Geography, Engineering, Forestry, Surveying, Physical Science, Computer Science, or any related degree.

If students know they want to become a Cartographer while in high school, they can begin on this career track by taking some helpful courses.

These courses include mechanical drawing, computer science, trigonometry, algebra, geometry and drafting.

Cartographers commonly use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools to fulfill their job responsibilities.

In order to use GIS, Cartographers must be highly skilled in using computer software and other technology.

Therefore, candidates who want to become a Cartographer should take courses to strengthen their technical skills.

Potential Cartographers can also seek certification in GIS in order to stand out among other candidates.

This is a voluntary certification offered by the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS).

Make sure to visit ASPRS's website in order to learn more about GIS certification programs and requirements.

Some helpful skills a future Cartographer can work on are include: perfecting their interpersonal skills, having a good eye for picturing distances and sizes and having strong attention to detail.

Cartographer Job Description

Cartographers are experienced professionals who use several techniques in order to inspect, measure, map and chart the surface of the Earth.

The first step is to collect information, images, geodetic surveys and photographs of the Earth's surface.

They will use this collected information to analyze, interpret and accurately draw geographical data.

In order to create accurate maps, Cartographers will perform geographical research and gather information regarding regions.

The type of information Cartographers gather includes social features, physical attributes, and non spatial and spatial data.

The type of non spatial data a Cartographer collects includes the following:

Information how the land is being used
Precipitation information regarding each region
Demographic information
Population numbers
Population density

The spatial data a Cartographer gathers includes the following:

Elevation
Latitude
Longitude
Distance

Cartographers will gather all of this information using several types of technological equipment.

Some of equipment a Cartographer may use includes: aerial cameras, ranging (LIDAR), Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and light imaging detection, satellites, remote sensing systems and other types of technology.

After the information is gathered, analyzed and interpreted, Cartographers will use all of the data to plan graphic and digital forms of maps.

Cartographer Salary and Career Path

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual median wage for Cartographers and similar careers was $51,180 in 2008.

The salary range for these professionals is approximately $31,400 to $87,000 per year.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics also reports that the expected growth for Cartographers and similar careers looks strong.

These careers are expected to grow by approximately 19% through the year 2018.

Candidates with a Bachelor's degree and some technical skills will be more sought after by employers.

The below information is based on the 2019 BLS national averages.

Annually
Monthly
Hourly

National Average Salary

$69,790 $5,750 $33.55

Average Salary by State

State	Avg. Annual Salary
Alabama	$67,310
Alaska	$81,040
Arizona	$66,310
Arkansas	$55,070
California	$91,100
Colorado	$74,770
Connecticut	$75,080
Florida	$69,400
Georgia	$55,230
Hawaii	$70,670
Idaho	$58,940
Illinois	$83,520
Indiana	$54,720
Iowa	$63,140
Kansas	$59,640
Kentucky	$68,750
Louisiana	$58,910
Maine	$68,650
Maryland	$84,780
Massachusetts	$77,450
Michigan	$62,550
Minnesota	$67,090
Mississippi	$54,610
Missouri	$58,840
Montana	$54,270
Nebraska	$70,750
Nevada	$77,280
New Hampshire	$58,700
New Jersey	$90,180
New York	$83,810
North Carolina	$60,350
Ohio	$70,590
Oklahoma	$58,770
Oregon	$69,500
Pennsylvania	$59,390
Rhode Island	$79,220
South Carolina	$55,270
South Dakota	$56,960
Tennessee	$59,020
Texas	$65,120
Utah	$58,160
Vermont	$63,990
Virginia	$80,160
Washington	$85,310
West Virginia	$46,690
Wisconsin	$65,740
Wyoming	$56,320

The top earning state in the field is California, where the average salary is $91,100.

These are the top 5 earning states in the field:

California - $91,100

New Jersey - $90,180

Washington - $85,310

Maryland - $84,780

New York - $83,810

State	Avg. Monthly Salary
Alabama	$5,583
Alaska	$6,750
Arizona	$5,500
Arkansas	$4,583
California	$7,583
Colorado	$6,167
Connecticut	$6,250
Florida	$5,750
Georgia	$4,583
Hawaii	$5,833
Idaho	$4,833
Illinois	$6,917
Indiana	$4,500
Iowa	$5,250
Kansas	$4,917
Kentucky	$5,667
Louisiana	$4,833
Maine	$5,667
Maryland	$7,000
Massachusetts	$6,417
Michigan	$5,167
Minnesota	$5,583
Mississippi	$4,500
Missouri	$4,833
Montana	$4,500
Nebraska	$5,833
Nevada	$6,417
New Hampshire	$4,833
New Jersey	$7,500
New York	$6,917
North Carolina	$5,000
Ohio	$5,833
Oklahoma	$4,833
Oregon	$5,750
Pennsylvania	$4,917
Rhode Island	$6,583
South Carolina	$4,583
South Dakota	$4,667
Tennessee	$4,917
Texas	$5,417
Utah	$4,833
Vermont	$5,250
Virginia	$6,667
Washington	$7,083
West Virginia	$3,833
Wisconsin	$5,417
Wyoming	$4,667

The top earning state in the field is California, where the average salary is $7,583.

These are the top 5 earning states in the field:

California - $7,583

New Jersey - $7,500

Washington - $7,083

Maryland - $7,000

New York - $6,917

State	Avg. Hourly Salary
Alabama	$32.36
Alaska	$38.96
Arizona	$31.88
Arkansas	$26.47
California	$43.80
Colorado	$35.95
Connecticut	$36.10
Florida	$33.37
Georgia	$26.55
Hawaii	$33.98
Idaho	$28.33
Illinois	$40.16
Indiana	$26.31
Iowa	$30.36
Kansas	$28.67
Kentucky	$33.05
Louisiana	$28.32
Maine	$33.01
Maryland	$40.76
Massachusetts	$37.24
Michigan	$30.07
Minnesota	$32.26
Mississippi	$26.26
Missouri	$28.29
Montana	$26.09
Nebraska	$34.01
Nevada	$37.15
New Hampshire	$28.22
New Jersey	$43.35
New York	$40.29
North Carolina	$29.02
Ohio	$33.94
Oklahoma	$28.26
Oregon	$33.41
Pennsylvania	$28.55
Rhode Island	$38.09
South Carolina	$26.57
South Dakota	$27.38
Tennessee	$28.38
Texas	$31.31
Utah	$27.96
Vermont	$30.77
Virginia	$38.54
Washington	$41.02
West Virginia	$22.45
Wisconsin	$31.61
Wyoming	$27.08

The top earning state in the field is California, where the average salary is $43.80.

These are the top 5 earning states in the field:

California - $43.80

New Jersey - $43.35

Washington - $41.02

Maryland - $40.76

New York - $40.29

* Salary information based on the May 2019 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Cartographers and Photogrammetrists, OCC Code 17-1021, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cartographer?

Cartographers create and update maps and charts.

Their job duties include collecting geographic data, creating visual representations of the collected data, and preparing and updating maps.

The maps and charts designed by cartographers are used mostly for regional planning and for educational purposes.

Cartographers usually create user-friendly maps.

Mapmakers who use technologies to build models of the Earth's surface and its features are called photogrammetrists.

Cartographers may use Geographic Information System technologies to combine spatial features with data; those who use these technologies are usually known as geographic information specialists.

Most cartographers work full time and may work overtime during fieldwork.

Cartographers need a variety of skills, including computer skills, critical-thinking skills, and problem-solving skills.

How much does a cartographer make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for cartographers and photogrammetrists was $64,430 in May 2018.

However, salaries vary widely, depending on the field of expertise and the employer: those working for the state government earn a median annual wage of $57,990, while those who work for the federal government earned around $91,910 a year.

How much does it cost to become a cartographer?

Most cartographers need a bachelor's degree in cartography, geography or a related field.

Cartographers may also need to take classes in computer programming, engineering, and G.I.S technology.

Most students also benefit from internships during college.

The average out-of-state total cost for a four-year bachelor's degree program in Geographic Information Science and Cartography is around $130,000 but costs vary widely depending on the college you choose.

Some states require cartographers to be licensed as surveyors.

Cartographers may also need certification from the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing.

The initial certification costs $300 for ASPRS members and $450 for non-members.

The United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation offers certification in G.I.S.

What is the demand for cartographers?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for cartographers and photogrammetrists is expected to grow 15 percent from 2018 to 2028 but, because it is a relatively small profession, this growth will result in only about 1,700 new jobs.

This expected growth is explained mostly by the growing number of mobile and web applications that use web-based map products.

The growth is also explained by the expanding use of maps for government planning.

How long does it take to become a cartographer?

Cartographers need a bachelor's degree in cartography, geography or a related field; the degree can usually be obtained in four years.

A certificate may be a requirement in some cases and can also help you prove your skills to a potential employer.

In order to obtain certification, you need to pass a test and to meet experience requirements.

Experience requirements vary depending on the type of certification you are seeking.

For instance, if you want to become a Certified Mapping Scientists you will need around 6 years of experience.