A cartographer’s job involves developing and producing maps. These jobs are available in a variety of private and public sector organisations and therefore the work within them can also vary. Information produced by cartographers is used by many people in their daily lives, such as in SatNavs, road atlases, tourist maps, globes and Ordnance Survey maps. Roles in this sector vary from developing and designing the maps, to more strategic work analysing the results of surveys and producing maps from these.
Typical work activities
- Designing maps
- Adding names, symbols and colours to make maps suitable for audience and purpose
- Researching and analysing data to turn into maps, charts or graphs
- Collating data from surveys, aerial photographs or remote sensing techniques
- Creating, maintaining and using geographical information databases
- Using GIS for producing and analysing map features
- Liaising with surveyors and graphic designers
- Checking maps for accuracy
- Heavy IT use as most map making uses IT to generate images on screen, transmit information electronically and keep cartographic databases.
Some cartography jobs may also come with opportunities for travel, though many are heavily desk based.
Skills
- An interest in geography
- Computer literacy
- Spatial awareness
- Organised and patient
- Good personal and communication skills
Think cartography might be the career for you?
Other University of Southampton sites
More information
The prospects website has more information about this career path.