Cartographer

As a cartographer, you'll be involved with the scientific, technological and artistic aspects of developing and producing maps from geographical and geospatial data. You'll also present information in diagrams, charts, and spreadsheets.

Cartography is also known as geodata visualisation. Maps and detailed geographical information are needed for a range of purposes, from everyday use by individuals to large-scale industrial development. Use of geographical information systems (GIS) and digital mapping techniques now dominates the role.

Types of cartographer

You can work within a variety of areas, including:

• conservation
• government
• the military
• publishing
• surveying.

The role varies widely, from the development and design of geographical information to more strategic and technical work.

What does a cartographer do?

As a cartographer, you'll need to:

• carry out research, including analysing mappable information, and decide what should appear on a map
• design maps, graphics, illustrations, and layouts, communicating information using colour, symbols, and style.
• compile and produce graphs on computers for specialist and general users
• research, select, and evaluate map source data for use in the preparation or revision of maps and charts to various scales
• liaise with clients and external contacts, including surveyors and designers, regarding requirements and the supply of information
• collate data provided by remote sensing techniques
• operate a photogrammetric plotting instrument, or a digital photogrammetric workstation (DPW), which views the photographs stereoscopically or in 3D
• design, maintain, and manipulate geographical information (GI) databases
• work with GIS to see, model, and analyse landscape features
• use desktop publishing packages to edit and formulate information
• capture, maintain, and output digital geographic data
• generalise map data to allow for a reduction in scale
• check the content and accuracy of maps, charts, and printing proofs.

At a senior level, you'll need to:

• cost out new business
• liaise with other departments and clients
• manage budgets, staff, and production schedules
• take responsibility for a range of products.

How much does a cartographer earn?

• Starting salaries for cartographers in the UK begin at £24,000 but can be higher.
• With experience, average salaries are £33,000.
• At senior level, it's possible to earn between £43,000 and £61,000.

Salaries vary depending on your location, the sector you work in and the type of employer, as well as your skills and experience. Experienced cartographers working on a consultancy basis can negotiate a fee with their client based on experience and reputation.

Income figures are intended as a guide only.

How many hours does a cartographer work?

Cartographers usually work 9am to 5pm office hours. However, you may need to work longer when meeting publication or project completion deadlines.

As the work is office based, you'll need to enjoy being with teams of other professionals, especially when working to project deadlines.

How do I become a cartographer?

To become a cartographer, you'll typically need a spatial science-related degree, as there aren't cartographic-specific courses. Relevant subjects, some of which may feature GIS elements, include:

• earth sciences
• geography
• geology
• land surveying
• meteorology
• oceanography
• surveying and mapping sciences.

Other useful subjects include graphic design, computer science, and software engineering.

You can also take a Level 6 geospatial mapping and science specialist degree apprenticeship, combining paid work with part-time study for a degree.

As there aren't any cartographic-specific training courses, you'll usually be employed by a company and trained on the job.

A postgraduate qualification can be helpful if you want to enter a more specialised area and for career development later on. Postgraduate courses are available in areas such as:

• geographical information systems (GIS)
• geoinformation technology and cartography
• geospatial and mapping sciences
• remote sensing
• surveying.

Search for postgraduate courses in cartography and geographical information systems.

It's also possible to get into cartography at technician level straight from school or college by completing a Level 3 geospatial survey technician apprenticeship.

Find out more about a career in cartography from the British Cartographic Society.

What skills does a cartographer need?

You'll need to have:

• a keen eye for detail and a good eye for layout, as much of the work involves careful research and the collection and manipulation of data
• a methodical, accurate and systematic approach to work, with attention to set procedures
• an interest in geography and the environment
• analytical ability and problem-solving skills
• communication skills to work with clients to understand their requirements
• teamworking skills to produce maps quickly and effectively
• the ability to manage and interpret data, graphical representations, and symbols.

Knowledge of foreign languages can also be useful.

Where can I get cartography work experience?

Practical cartography work experience through placements or a year in industry as part of your degree can be helpful. Look for opportunities to work with mapping software, such as QGIS, which is vital for developing your technical skills. Sandwich placements and internships are offered by large organisations, such as Ordnance Survey. These opportunities will help develop your skills and build a professional network.

There may be opportunities to volunteer with charities or non-profit organisations focused on environmental conservation, urban planning, or humanitarian mapping. Examples include:

• GISCorps
• Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT)
• MapAction

You could also volunteer with local community groups, mapping and preserving local sites.

It's useful to put together a portfolio of any design ideas or maps you've produced to show at interviews.

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

Who employs cartographers?

Cartographers work either in the public sector or with commercial cartography companies. Large public sector employers include:

• Ordnance Survey
• Hydrographic Office (marine cartography).

Ordnance Survey runs a graduate scheme, which provides on-the-job learning to develop your technical and professional skills.

Cartographers are also employed by local authority planning departments and central government departments such as:

• Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)
• Department for Transport
• Forestry Commission.

The Royal Air Force (air cartographers) and The British Army (geographic technicians) employ cartographers. You may also be employed by specialist bodies, such as the British Antarctic Survey, British Geological Survey, or The James Hutton Institute.

In the commercial sector, typical employers include:

• GIS companies
• land and air survey companies
• oil companies
• planning or environmental consultancies
• publishing-based cartographers
• utility companies, such as electricity, gas, and water.

Look for job vacancies at:

• British Cartographic Society
• Civil Service Jobs
• discussion group lists, such as LIS-MAPS

Employers with vacancies may approach universities with departments that offer GIS or surveying-related degrees. Not all jobs are advertised as 'cartographer,' so check descriptions carefully.

As cartography is a relatively small profession, networking and word-of-mouth play a big part in job hunting. With experience, it's also possible to become a freelance cartographer.

What are the career prospects for cartographers?

Cartography training usually takes place in-house, on the job. You'll focus on developing practical skills in areas such as:

• compiling maps
• map design and layout
• map production (using a range of software packages).

In a larger company, you may rotate through different departments and develop your skills in specialist areas, such as GIS, photogrammetry (capturing and 'stitching' images together), and digital mapping. You might also receive external training in specific software packages.

If you're working for a smaller company, you may find there's less money available for training, though there may be more varied projects to work on, which will help build up your skills.

Employers may also provide sponsorship for postgraduate study if you don't already have a Masters qualification. Check with prospective employers about opportunities for training and professional development. If you specialise in working with GIS, you may be eligible to apply for Chartered Geographer status through the Royal Geographical Society.

Membership of the British Cartographic Society is useful for exchanging information and networking with colleagues through events and conferences. The International Map Industry Association (IMIA) also provides the opportunity to network and share knowledge through its global membership base.

Career progression depends to a certain extent on the size, structure, and nature of the organisation you work for, as well as on your own qualities and motivation.

If you're working in the public sector, you're more likely to have a structured promotion route. With experience, you can progress through established grades, taking on greater responsibility for projects and decision-making, as well as for more junior staff. There may also be opportunities to transfer to other parts of the business.

If you're working for a small company, you may need to be geographically flexible to advance. However, you might find the work more varied and interesting. As some commercial cartography companies form part of a larger group, you may also find openings in other areas of the group.

You might also wish to become a specialist in areas such as GIS, photogrammetry, 3D visualisation, map animation, or desktop publishing, which can open up further opportunities.

Experienced cartographers can move into a consultancy role or work freelance, supplying a specialist product or service to other cartographic companies or publishers.