Map Editor

I. JOB SUMMARY

Main Topic: Environment and Society
Secondary Topic: Places and Regions 

Overview: Map editors identify and verify information shown on cartographic materials such as aerial photographs that are used to produce maps. They must travel over observed area in order to observe and record all cultural and drainage features that are not evident in photographs. The job duties of a map editor have a degree of complexity that requires formal education and training in the form of a diploma or an undergraduate degree, typically in a field such as: Geography, Geology, Geographic Information Systems, Geomatics. Courses in cartography and the cartographic sciences, as well as courses in support areas such as mathematics, computers, photography and communication will be particularly helpful for a career as a map editor. Some typical duties for a map editor include: Verify numbers, names and classes of roads. Verify location and number of railroads. Identify streams, rivers, lakes, parks and other manmade or natural geographic features. Use geometry to determine elevation of trees, building and other natural and manmade features. Obtain boundary and other relevant information from city, municipal or regional records. Locate and verify Regional lines and boundaries. Mark observations on map overlay, using specified symbols. May use instruments such as stereoscopes to combine the information from two separate aerial maps. 

Geographers at work: Geographic Information Systems Specialists, Cartographers, Physical Geographers, Geomatic Specialists 

Recommended College Courses: Physical Geography, Geographic Information Systems, Remote Sensing, Environmental Management, Quantitative Methods, Cartography 

Skills: Geographic Information Science, Cartography, Computer Programming, Quantitative Methods 

Occupation Group: Life, Physical, and Social Science

Learn more about Geographers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Department of Labor: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/geographers.htm#tab-1