Cartographers are makers of maps. These could be:

Cartographers research information from a variety of sources, and they design and compile maps for either printed or digital publication. They use the latest high-tech equipment, and graphic design and image manipulation software.
Most cartographers work normal office hours, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Some employers may offer flexitime options. Many work in an office, sitting at a desk with a computer. There may be some UK and overseas travel.
Cartographers usually earn between £12,000 and £35,000, or more, a year.

A cartographer needs to have: the ability to analyse and manage information from different sources patience and the ability to concentrate a logical approach to collecting and presenting data precision and accuracy, paying great attention to detail an interest in graphic design, maps and geography

Jobs exist with a wide range of employers such as:

Prospects are particularly good for those with skills in computerised mapping or qualifications in GIS. Most cartographers are graduates who have studied mapping-related subjects such as geography, mapping sciences, geomatics and GIS. Junior posts as a mapping technician may be open to those with HND qualifications.
Training is usually on the job. Some employers, such as The UK Hydrographic Office, train their staff in specialised areas of mapping.
Many cartographers specialise or continue their studies at higher degree level. There are opportunities to move into senior posts, and those with languages are well placed to find work overseas.

What is the work like?
Cartographers are makers of maps. It is a job that requires a combination of technical, scientific and design skills, to be able to represent features such as a landscape on the surface of the Earth or the moon, or the population distribution of a modern city.
Cartographers produce different types of maps, depending on the requirements of their employer or customer. They may work on:

Cartographers may work on regions that have not been mapped before, or they may revise out-of-date maps. They research information from a variety of sources and may have to take into account new road or housing developments, whether the land use has changed, or the impact of an environmental or meteorological event on an area.
Much of the modern cartographer’s work is the design and compilation of maps for either printed or digital publication. They use the latest high-tech equipment, and graphic design and image manipulation software to measure, model and analyse geographic information.
As part of their work, they may also:

A cartographer starting out may earn about £12,000 a year.

Hours and environment

Most cartographers work normal office hours, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Some employers may offer flexitime options.
Many work in an office, sitting at a desk with a computer. They usually work with a team of other cartographers.
They may travel around the country or, occasionally, overseas when doing surveys.

Salary and other benefits

These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.

Skills and personal qualities

A cartographer needs to have:

Interests

A cartographer needs to be interested in:

Getting in

There are good opportunities to find work as a cartographer or mapping specialist, especially for those with skills in computerised mapping techniques and/or geographic information systems ( GIS). Employers include:

The number of opportunities within smaller cartographic companies has increased. About 10 per cent of cartographers are self-employed, and short-term contracts are becoming increasingly common.
The government agencies advertise in the national newspapers. Many commercial companies use websites, such as for the British Cartographic Society, or go through the Society of Cartographers. Job adverts may also be found in journals such as Geomatics World..

Entry for young people

Cartographers usually have a degree in a mapping-related subject such as single or joint-honours courses in geography, mapping sciences, geomatics and GIS. The Association for Geographic Information has a link on its website with details of institutions that offer courses in GIS. Foundation degrees may be available.
These courses usually require the study of geography, and possibly also a science subject, at A level/H grade, or equivalent.
Relevant HND courses include subjects such as physical geography, geographical information systems and geography techniques. These may sometimes lead to junior posts such as cartography or mapping technician.
Applicants should check college and university prospectus details carefully to ensure that the course has sufficient emphasis on cartography/mapping.
Other useful subjects include art and design, design and technology, and ICT. An increasing number of entrants to cartography have a graphic design or IT background.

Entry for adults
There are no age limits for this type of work. Mature applicants without the necessary qualifications may be able to do an Access course as an entry route to a degree course.

Training

Training on the job includes learning new technology such as digital mapping systems. The UK Hydrographic Office offers specialised training in marine cartography for new employees, such as learning how to use hydrographic digital data systems.
The Survey Association offers a Survey Technician Training Course aimed at new entrants to geoscience careers, or those with experience but no formal training.
There is an NVQ at Level 4 in Spatial Data Management.

Getting on

Experienced cartographers may progress to senior or management positions. Some choose to specialise in an area such as photogrammetry or GIS. The willingness to relocate may be important in smaller, commercial companies.
Postgraduate qualifications may be necessary to achieve career progression. The Royal Geographic Society (with the Institute of British Geographers) offers Chartered Status.
Those with languages may find work overseas.

Further information

Association for Geographic Information ( AGI ), Block C Fourth Floor, Morelands, 5-23 Old Street, London EC1V 9HL. 020 7253 5211. Website: www.agi.org.uk
British Cartographic Society ( BCS), Administration, 12 Elworthy Drive, Wellington, Somerset TA21 9AT. 01823 665 775. Website: www.cartography.org.uk
British Geological Survey, Headquarters, Kingsley Dunham Centre, Keyworth, Nottingham NG12 5GG. 0115 936 3100. Website: www.bgs.ac.uk
Ordnance Survey, Romsey Road , Maybush, Southampton SO16 4GU. 08456 050505. Website: www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk
The Royal Geographical Society (with The Institute of British Geographers), 1 Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AR. 020 7591 3000. Website: www.rgs.org
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), RICS Contact Centre, Surveyor Court , Westwood Way, Coventry CV4 8JE. 0870 333 1600. Website: www.rics.org
The Survey Association ( TSA ), Marine House, Thorpe Lea Road, Egham, Surrey  TW20 8BF. 01784 223760. Website: www.tsa-uk.org.uk
The Society of Cartographers. Secretary: Mr Mike Shand, Department of Geography and Geomatics, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ. 0141 330 4780. Website: www.soc.org.uk
The UK Hydrographic Office, Admiralty Way, Taunton, Somerset TA1 2DN. 01823 337900. Website: www.ukho.gov.uk

Further reading

Careers in Cartography - available in print and from the BCS website
Exploring the World of Work: Geography and Careers - Royal Geographical Society
Working in geography - Connexions
Working in science - Connexions

Magazines/journals:

The Cartographic Journal
GIS Professional Journal
Geomatics World
GEO:connexion - a monthly magazine - see www.geoconnexion.com

For further details please see:

http://www.connexions-direct.com/

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