Job Descriptions - Definitions - Career Fields: Cartographer

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Cartographer

You would need a flair for drawing, the ability to translate concepts, be able to visualise three dimensionally and accurately, have good hand skills, good eyesight, patience, an eye for detail, and be computer literate. In the old days, all draughting was done by hand but nowadays, computers make life much easier for everyone. A cartographer provides information about the earth in the easily understandable and usable form of a map. You would be working closely with surveyors, geologists and similar professionals and be involved in the conservation, planning and development of the land.
The maps which you would produce would be compiled from various sources such as aerial photographs, field records, historical manuscripts, other maps and statistical reports. Your tasks would include the following:

* The processing of source material for map production.
* The application of photolithography and photographic processing techniques in map production.
* The application of computer technology to map productions.

You would also be trained in basic surveying and in photogrammetry (the science of accurately plotting maps and plans from photographs taken with calibrated cameras - usually from the air but sometimes from ground stations).

The types of maps which you would produce would depend on your employers and for what purpose the maps are intended. Maps include the following:

* Topographical maps
* Maritime charts
* Aeronautical charts and maps
* Climatic maps
* Road maps and street plans
* Tourist maps
* Geological and geographical maps * Town and regional structure plans


Career Fields

Draughting and Design
Earth Sciences




 
 

Courtesy: CareerExpo

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