Cartographer

As a cartographer, you'll be involved with the scientific, technological and artistic aspects of developing and producing maps

Cartography, also known as geodata visualisation, involves taking geographical and geospatial data and transforming it into a map. You'll also present information in diagrams, charts and spreadsheets.

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.

Responsibilities

As a cartographer, you'll need to:

• carry out research and then decide on what should appear on a map
• design maps, graphics, illustrations and layouts
• communicate 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
• analyse and evaluate mappable information
• liaise with clients about their requirements and with external contacts, such as surveyors and designers, regarding 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 a 3D format
• design, maintain and manipulate geographical information (GI) databases
• work with geographical information systems (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 (derived mapping)
• check the content and accuracy of maps, charts and printing proofs.

At a senior level, you'll need to:

• take responsibility for a range of products (or all if in a small company)
• manage budgets, staff and production schedules
• cost out new business
• liaise with other departments and with clients.

Salary

• Starting salaries range from £18,000 to £22,000.
• With experience, you can typically earn between £20,000 and £30,000.
• At senior level, you'll typically earn £30,000 to £47,000.

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 will negotiate a fee with their client based on their experience and reputation.

Income figures are intended as a guide only.

Working hours

You'll usually work typical office hours (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday). However, you may need to work longer hours when meeting publication or project completion deadlines.

What to expect

• Jobs are available throughout the UK, with some posts, for example in government departments, centred near London and the south east.
• Work is usually office based, and you'll need to enjoy working in a team to meet project deadlines.
• With experience you may be able to move into consultancy work. A small number of experienced cartographers go on to set up and run their own companies.
• Being geographically mobile can be helpful, particularly when looking for your first job or for progressing your career.
• There are opportunities to use your cartography skills abroad.

Qualifications

As there aren't any undergraduate degrees specifically in cartography, you'll typically need a spatial science-related degree. Relevant subjects include:

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

Look for courses that include modules or courses in cartography. 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 will usually be employed by a company and then trained on the job.

A postgraduate qualification can be helpful if you want to enter a more specialised area of the industry 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 Cartography Society.

Skills

You'll need to have:

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

Knowledge of foreign languages can also be useful.

Work experience

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

There may be some opportunities to volunteer with charities or non-profit organisations focused on environmental conservation, urban planning or humanitarian mapping, such as:

• MapAction
• Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team
• GISCorps

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 interview.

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

Employers

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

• Ordnance Survey
• Hydrographic Office (marine cartography).

Ordinance Survey runs a graduate scheme, which provides on-the-job learning and develops your technical and professional skills. Find out more at OS Careers.

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.

You may also be employed by specialist bodies such as the British Antarctic Survey, British Geological Survey and The James Hutton Institute.

The Royal Air Force (air cartographers) and The British Army (geographic technicians) also employ cartographers.

In the commercial sector, typical employers include:

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

With experience, it's also possible to become a freelance cartographer.

Look for job vacancies at:

• British Cartographic Society
• Civil Service Jobs
• discussion group lists, such as BCS Forum and LIS-MAPS
• websites of public sector and commercial companies employing cartographers.

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

As cartography is a relatively small profession, networking and word of mouth play a part in job hunting.

Professional development

Training usually takes place in-house and 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 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 is less money available for training, although there may be more varied projects to work on helping you 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 (GIS) status through the Royal Geographical Society with IBG.

Membership of the British Cartographic Society is useful for exchanging information and networking with colleagues through events and conferences. The BCS Forum is also a useful resource for sharing ideas and learning new skills.

The IMIA (International Map Industry Association) provides the opportunity to network and share knowledge through its global membership base.

Career prospects

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 more 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 may find the work more varied and interesting. As some commercial cartography companies form part of a larger group, you may find opportunities in other areas of the group.

There may be opportunities to become a specialist in areas such as GIS, photogrammetry, 3D visualisation, map animation or desktop publishing, which can open up further opportunities.

There are also opportunities for experienced cartographers to move into a consultancy role or to work as a freelance cartographer supplying a specialist product or service to other cartographic companies or publishers.