Career Guide: Cartographer
For the sixth post in our series of offshore career guides, we map out the responsibilities and requirements of being a cartographer.
Job Breakdown
A cartographer collects geographical information and presents the relevant data in a variety of visual forms such as maps, charts and diagrams. It is a career where both artistic and scientific abilities are required to translate complex combinations of facts in such a way that they can be easily understood.
Cartographers develop maps for a wide range of purposes. From nautical navigation to ordnance surveys, city demographics and tourist guides, cartographers provide knowledge that is crucial on personal, historical, commercial, social, and political levels.
Modern cartography relies heavily on information and computer technology to create maps with pinpoint accuracy. Photogrammetry, remote sensing, and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are examples of high-tech techniques and tools used by cartographers today in map creation.
General duties of a cartographer include:
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Research on what data to present about a specific area
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Collect and analyse geographical data
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Collate information from aerial photography and remote sensing technology
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Use photogrammetry instruments and specialised computer software
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Design maps and similar visual media using colours, fonts, textures, symbols, layouts, etc.
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Produce physical and digital maps
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Communicate with clients, surveyors and designers
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Develop and maintain geographical information databases
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Revise old maps using carefully chosen and evaluated map source data
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Curate and preserve maps
Working Hours and Environment
The typical cartography job is set in an office environment with a 9am to 5pm schedule. There will be longer days when deadlines need to be met or a project has to be completed. Flexitime may be an option at some companies.
Cartographers generally work with computers and in teams.
Working in the offshore industry can be a vastly different experience however. Travel is part of the job. When going on a survey, cartographers have to make cross-country and overseas trips. Projects can last for a couple of weeks to a couple of months.
Working on a ship or vessel can be rough, especially in areas with inclement weather. There isn’t much space for privacy, and there is little outside contact. Being able to work with people from different countries is necessary for a smooth experience.
Job Entry and Qualifications
There are multiple paths to take to become a cartographer.
The most common route is having graduated from university with a relevant degree, such as one in any of the following subjects:
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Geography
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Geology
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Oceanography
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Earth sciences
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Geological engineering
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Geographic information technologies
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Geomatics
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Geoinformatics
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Land surveying
Degrees in graphic design, computer science, maths and software engineering can also prove useful.
Getting a postgraduate degree in the following courses is highly recommended for those looking to get into a specialist field:
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Geomatic engineering
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Geographic Information Systems
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Photogrammetry
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Remote sensing
Undertaking an aApprenticeship is another way of becoming a cartographer. Completing either a geospatial survey technician advanced apprenticeship or a geospatial mapping degree apprenticeship can lead to full-time cartography work.
To get into an apprenticeship in the public sector, applicants should have GCSEs in maths, English and geography or any equivalent education. To get into a higher level apprenticeship, 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels or any equivalent education are expected.
Lastly, those who want to become cartographers can enlist in the army or air force British Army or the Royal Air Force as a geographic technician or an air cartographer, respectively. Practical experience in such military organisations is accepted in the private sector.
Companies also look for the following skills and attributes when hiring cartographers:
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Focus and patience
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Uncompromising on accuracy and quality
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Can analyse and interpret data from multiple sources
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Good verbal and written communication skills
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Analytical thinking
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Keen attention to detail
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Numeracy skills
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Proficiency in computing software and surveying technologies
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Organised approach to work
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Ability to work independently and with a team
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Normal colour vision
Salary
The starting salary for cartographers is around £18,000 to £22,000.
Cartographers with a few years under their belt can earn around £20,000 to £350,000.
Senior cartographers get paid around £30,000 to £47,000.
Consulting as a freelancer can be a lucrative career move for experienced cartographers, as they can negotiate their own payment and charge a high rate if they have a solid resume of work and a good reputation in the industry.
Training and Development
Big companies provide training resources upon employment, with a focus on map compilation, layouts and design, and production with specific software packages. Cartographers interested in getting a Master’s degree to develop and reinforce skills might also be given the financial support from such companies.
The Survey Association has a Survey Technician Training Course that new cartographers or experienced cartographers with no formal training can take.
Cartographers who want to specialise in marine cartography and learn about hydrographic digital data systems can get training from the UK Hydrographic Office.
Learning Spatial Data Management can be advantageous for cartographers. There is an NVQ/SVQ Level 4 for that subject.
Joining the following organisations gives access to additional training, industry news and networking opportunities:
Employment Prospects
Cartographers can find work from the following employers:
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Local and national government authorities
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Public utility companies
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Private companies in offshore energy
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Land and air survey companies
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Planning and economic development agencies
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GIS/geomatics companies
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Military organisations
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Statistical and census firms
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Marketing consultancies
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Computer software companies
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Environmental agencies
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Commercial map publishers
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Academic institutions
Offshore Opportunities
The offshore industry welcomes cartographers with job opportunities. The Azores in Portugal has recently been experiencing scientific expeditions and surveying activity, so cartographers are in need of charting the area.
Construction toward extracting natural gas offshore in Papua New Guinea is set for 2021. Over at Equatorial Guinea, additional oil was discovered in late 2019, making it a prime area for surveying.
Meanwhile, Western Australia has big upcoming oil and gas developments, so contracts could be plentiful in the region.
Career Trajectory
Junior cartographers undergo training on the job, eventually taking on more responsibilities with experience. Working in the public sector has a more defined career path. Small private companies don’t have as much room for growth, so relocating should be on the experienced cartographer’s mind.
Experienced cartographers could also pivot to specialising in GIS, map animation, photogrammetry, 3D visualisation, or desktop publishing. Being part of a publisher in commercial cartography affords them more opportunities in the other areas of map publishing.
For senior cartographers established in their respective industries, consulting for private firms and other map publishers can be a profitable way to cap off a career.
If being a cartographer is a career path you’d like to pursue, head over to our jobs page for opportunities in this field.