Cartographer or Photogrammetrist

Overview and Key Facts

What Do They Do?

A cartographer and photogrammetrist could...

Overview Listen to this section

Maps can give us much more information than ways to get from A to B. Maps can give us topographic, climate, and even political information. Cartographers and photogrammetrists collect a vast amount of data, such as aerial data and survey data to produce accurate maps and models. For example, by collecting rainfall data, a cartographer can make an accurate model of how rainfall can affect an area's watershed. The maps and models can then be used by policy makers to make informed decisions.

Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of a Cartographer or Photogrammetrist?

1. Reading Comprehension: ? Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
2. Writing: ? Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
3. Critical Thinking: ? Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
4. Active Listening: ? Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
5. Active Learning: ? Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

6. Judgment and Decision Making: ? Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
7. Complex Problem Solving: ? Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
8. Monitoring: ? Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
9. Speaking: ? Talking to others to convey information effectively.
10. Coordination: ? Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Core Tasks

Think about if you'd like the typical tasks a Cartographer or Photogrammetrist might do:

• Compile data required for map preparation, including aerial photographs, survey notes, records, reports, and original maps.
• Delineate aerial photographic detail, such as control points, hydrography, topography, and cultural features, using precision stereoplotting apparatus or drafting instruments.
• Prepare and alter trace maps, charts, tables, detailed drawings, and three-dimensional optical models of terrain using stereoscopic plotting and computer graphics equipment.
• Study legal records to establish boundaries of local, national, and international properties.
• Inspect final compositions to ensure completeness and accuracy.
• Revise existing maps and charts, making all necessary corrections and adjustments.
• Identify, scale, and orient geodetic points, elevations, and other planimetric or topographic features, applying standard mathematical formulas.
• Collect information about specific features of the Earth, using aerial photography and other digital remote sensing techniques.
• Examine and analyze data from ground surveys, reports, aerial photographs, and satellite images to prepare topographic maps, aerial-photograph mosaics, and related charts.
• Build and update digital databases.
• Determine map content and layout, as well as production specifications such as scale, size, projection, and colors, and direct production to ensure that specifications are followed.