Powerful Geography
Cartographers and Photogrammetrist

Cartographers and Photogrammetrist

Cartographers and Photogrammetrist

I. JOB SUMMARY

Main Topic: Physical Geography
Secondary Topic: Cartography, G. I. Science   

Overview: Cartographers and photogrammetrists gather, assess and interpret geographic information in order to create and update maps and charts for educational, research and official purposes. They use information from geodetic surveys and modern tools such as remote-sensing systems, LIDAR and satellite technologies to digitally map the topography of the Earth. The following are examples of Cartographers and photogrammetrists job titles:

Cartographers: Cartographers typically collect geographic data, create visual representations of collected data, examine and compile data from ground surveys, reports, aerial photographs and satellite images. They also prepare maps in digital or graphic form for environmental and educational purposes. They are also responsible for updating and revising changes in the existing maps and charts. They are mapmakers who design user-friendly maps.  This job also involves examining and compiling data from ground surveys, reports, aerial photographs, and satellite images. Using the data collected they will prepare maps in digital and graphic forms for many purposes or update existing maps and charts. They use a variety of technologies to collect and transform the data including GIS, LIDAR, remote sensing, and GPS. Cartographers and photogrammetrists can develop online and mobile maps since interactive maps are popular. Many cartographers and photogrammetrists work for government agencies including jobs in national security and public safety. Demand for accurate and reliable maps is high and expected to increase with growing market for mobile and web-based maps.

Photogrammetrist: Photogrammetrists are responsible for planning aerial and satellite surveys to ensure complete coverage of the area in question. They also collect and analyze spatial data, such as elevation and distance as well as develop base maps that allow GIS data to be layered on top. They are specialized mapmakers who use various technologies to build models of the Earth’s surface and its features for the purpose of creating maps. Photogrammetrists perform image assessment, point selection, mensuration, triangulation, orthorectification, dynamic range adjustments, and processing in order to produce image products. They increase the relative and absolute positioning accuracy of imagery from sensors to support mono and stereo exploitation. These analysts assess, evaluate, and extract elevation data from stereo imagery. They provide in-depth technical expertise to customers, review products, and ensure that final products can be generated to meet customers' accuracy requirements. 

Cartographers and photogrammetrists often develop online and mobile maps. Interactive maps are popular, and collect data and design these maps for mobile phones and navigation systems. They also create maps and perform aerial surveys for governments, to aid in urban and regional planning. Such maps may include information on population density and demographic characteristics. Some of them help build maps for government agencies for work involving national security and public safety.

Geographers at work:GIS Specialist, Remote Sensing Specialist, Physical Geographers, Human Geographers, Cartographers

Recommended College Courses: Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems, Advanced GIS, Remote Sensing, Quantitative Methods, Cartography, Computer Science, Maps and Mapmaking, Web Mapping, GPS and GIS 

Skills: GIS, Map Making, Cartography, Design tools such as Photoshop, Illustrator and Indesign, GPS, LIDAR, Remote Sensing, Scripting, Computer Programming, geospatial technology, Environmental Mapping, Environmental Modeling, Software Customization, Computer Vision, Machine Learning, location analysis, working with census data 

Occupation Group: Architecture and Engineering & Life, Physical and Social Sciences

Learn more about Cartographers and Photogrammetrist  from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Department of Labor:
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/cartographers-and-photogrammetrists.htm

Written by Christopher Hinojosa and Binay Thapa

II. POWERFUL GEOGRAPHIC KNOWLEDGE

Cartographers and photogrammetrists collect, measure, and interpret geographic information in order to create and update maps and charts for regional planning, education, and other purposes.
Cartographers and photogrammetrists collect, measure, and interpret geographic information in order to create and update maps and charts for regional planning, education, and other purposes.
Photogrammetrists collect, measure, and interpret geographic information in order to create and update maps and charts for regional planning, education, and other purposes.
Photogrammetrists collect, measure, and interpret geographic information in order to create and update maps and charts for regional planning, education, and other purposes.