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National

Median wages (2008) $24.60 hourly, $51,180 annual
Employment (2006) 12,000 employees
Projected growth (2006-2016) Faster than average (14% to 20%)
Projected need (2006-2016) 6,000 additional employees
17-1021.00 - Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

Collect, analyze, and interpret geographic information provided by geodetic surveys, aerial photographs, and satellite data. Research, study, and prepare maps and other spatial data in digital or graphic form for legal, social, political, educational, and design purposes. May work with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). May design and evaluate algorithms, data structures, and user interfaces for GIS and mapping systems.

Sample of reported job titles: Photogrammetrist, Cartographer, Production Manager, Photogrammetric Technician, Stereo Compiler, Compiler, GIS Analyst (Geographic Information Systems Analyst), Digital Cartographer, GIS Manager (Geographic Information Systems Manager), GIS Specialist (Geographic Information Systems Specialist)

Tasks

  • 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.
  • Revise existing maps and charts, making all necessary corrections and adjustments.
  • Compile data required for map preparation, including aerial photographs, survey notes, records, reports, and original maps.
  • Inspect final compositions to ensure completeness and accuracy.
  • 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.
  • Examine and analyze data from ground surveys, reports, aerial photographs, and satellite images to prepare topographic maps, aerial-photograph mosaics, and related charts.
  • Select aerial photographic and remote sensing techniques and plotting equipment needed to meet required standards of accuracy.
  • Delineate aerial photographic detail such as control points, hydrography, topography, and cultural features using precision stereoplotting apparatus or drafting instruments.
  • Build and update digital databases.

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Tools & Technology

Tools used in this occupation:

Digital cameras — Color digital camera systems; Large-format aerial digital cameras; Panoramic digital line cameras
Global positioning system receivers — Geodetic ground global positioning system GPS receivers; Global positioning system GPS devices; Mapping grade global positioning system GPS receivers
Plotter printers — Analytical stereoplotters; Color inkjet plotters; Large-format plotters
Radarbased surveillance systems — Laser imaging detection and ranging LIDAR systems; Remote sensing equipment
Scanners — Digitizers; Photogrammetric scanners

Technology used in this occupation:

Analytical or scientific software — Boeing SoftPlotter; Kork digital mapping system KDMS software; RSI ENVI; Terrasolid TerraScan
Computer aided design CAD software — Autodesk AutoCAD software; Cosmo Software Cosmo World; MultiGen Paradigm Vega Prime
Graphics or photo imaging software — Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator; Aldus FreeHand; Softcopy Stereo Kit SSK; Steroplotter software
Information retrieval or search software — Digital databases; Master Seafloor Digital Database *; Rand McNally World Digital Database; World Vector Shoreline
Map creation software — ESRI ArcView; Geomechanical design analysis GDA software; Mapthematics GeoCart; Precision analytical aerotriangulation pugging software

* Software developed by a government agency and/or distributed as freeware or shareware.

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17-3031.02 Mapping Technicians
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