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Career Details : Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

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Description

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.

Experience

A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

Education

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Tasks

  • Prepares mosaic prints, contour maps, profile sheets, and related cartographic material, applying mastery of photogrammetric techniques and principles.
  • Determines and defines production specifications, such as projection, scale, size, and colors of map product.
  • Identifies, scales, and orients geodetic points, elevations, and other planimetric or topographic features, applying standard math formulas.
  • Studies legal records to establish boundaries of local, national, and international properties.
  • Develops design concept of map product.
  • Analyzes survey data, source maps and photos, computer or automated mapping products, and other records to determine location and name of features.
  • Travels over photographed area to observe, identify, record, and verify all features shown and not shown in photograph.
  • Determines guidelines for source material to be used, such as maps, automated mapping products, photographic survey data, and place names.
  • Revises existing maps and charts and corrects maps in various stages of compilation.

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    Important Abilities

    General Work Activities

    Important Skills

    Frequent Work Context

    • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
    • Importance of Being Sure All Is Done
    • Consequence of Error
    • Frustrating Circumstances
    • Indoors

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