Occupation · SOC 17-1021
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
Research, study, and prepare maps and other spatial data in digital or graphic form for one or more purposes, such as 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. May collect, analyze, and interpret geographic information provided by geodetic surveys, aerial photographs, and satellite data.
Median wage
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Projected growth
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Annual openings
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per year
Employed (US)
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Job Zone 4
Typical preparation
Considerable preparation
Stackable credential programs
255 mapped
Core skills
Reading ComprehensionWritingCritical ThinkingActive ListeningActive LearningMonitoringComplex Problem SolvingSpeaking
Knowledge areas
GeographyComputers and ElectronicsEnglish LanguageDesignMathematics
Technology & tools
Document management softwareGraphics or photo imaging softwareWeb page creation and editing softwareDesktop publishing softwareMap creation software
Representative tasks
Compile data required for map preparation, including aerial photographs, survey notes, records, reports, and original maps.Delineate aerial photographic detail, such as control points, hydrography, topography, and cultural features, using precision stereoplotting apparatus or drafting instruments.Prepare and alter trace maps, charts, tables, detailed drawings, and three-dimensional optical models of terrain using stereoscopic plotting and computer graphics equipment.Study legal records to establish boundaries of local, national, and international properties.Inspect final compositions to ensure completeness and accuracy.Revise existing maps and charts, making all necessary corrections and adjustments.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.Examine and analyze data from ground surveys, reports, aerial photographs, and satellite images to prepare topographic maps, aerial-photograph mosaics, and related charts.Build and update digital databases.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.Determine guidelines that specify which source material is acceptable for use.Select aerial photographic and remote sensing techniques and plotting equipment needed to meet required standards of accuracy.Travel over photographed areas to observe, identify, record, and verify all relevant features.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Aerial photographs and survey notes — compile and organize under direct supervision to support map preparation workflows in a production mapping environment.Stereoscopic plotting apparatus — operate at a basic level to identify control points and hydrographic features under the guidance of a senior cartographer.Map creation software and CAD tools — navigate standard interfaces to assist in drafting trace maps and basic terrain drawings on assigned projects.Legal records and boundary documents — review with supervisor direction to identify relevant property boundary references for local mapping tasks.Completed map compositions — inspect for obvious omissions or formatting errors using a provided checklist in a quality-control review process.Existing maps and charts — apply documented correction procedures to update designated features under close oversight from an experienced photogrammetrist.Standard mathematical formulas — apply to calculate geodetic point locations and elevation values under supervision on routine planimetric assignments.Digital remote sensing datasets — retrieve and organize aerial photography files using database query tools in support of active field collection projects.Geographic and cartographic terminology — demonstrate foundational comprehension when reading technical reports, project briefs, and specification documents.Time management and task tracking tools — use to log progress on assigned mapping deliverables and flag scheduling concerns to project leads promptly.
developing
Aerial photographs, survey notes, and field records — compile and cross-reference independently to assemble complete source datasets for map production cycles.Precision stereoplotting apparatus and drafting instruments — use routinely to delineate hydrography, topography, and cultural features from aerial imagery on standard projects.Three-dimensional terrain models — prepare using stereoscopic plotting and computer graphics software, adapting parameters to meet project-specific scale and accuracy requirements.Legal boundary records and jurisdictional documents — study and interpret with moderate independence to establish local and national property boundaries for mapping deliverables.Final map compositions — inspect systematically for completeness and positional accuracy, resolving common discrepancies without supervisory escalation.Revised maps and charts — update by applying all necessary geometric and attribute corrections using CAD and map creation software in production environments.Geodetic control points and planimetric features — identify, scale, and orient by selecting and applying appropriate mathematical formulas across varied data inputs.Aerial photography and remote sensing imagery — collect, evaluate, and pre-process using analytical software to support data capture for regional mapping assignments.Complex problem scenarios in data conflation — apply critical thinking to reconcile conflicting source datasets and document resolution rationale for project records.Intra-team mapping workflows — coordinate with GIS technicians and field surveyors, communicating project status clearly to maintain schedule alignment on multi-phase deliverables.
proficient
Multi-source spatial datasets including aerial photographs, survey notes, and digital records — compile and integrate autonomously to produce authoritative map products across full project lifecycles.Advanced stereoplotting and photogrammetric workstations — apply across diverse terrain types and image scales to extract precise topographic and cultural detail for large-area mapping programs.Three-dimensional optical and digital terrain models — design and produce using stereoscopic and computer graphics platforms, adapting methodology for non-routine or complex surface conditions.International property boundary legal records — analyze independently, applying jurisdictional knowledge to resolve ambiguous or conflicting boundary definitions in multi-national mapping projects.Map and chart quality assurance processes — lead comprehensive accuracy and completeness reviews, diagnosing systematic errors and implementing corrective workflows across production pipelines.Existing map series and chart editions — revise at full scope, managing all correction layers and version controls to maintain currency and compliance with national cartographic standards.Geodetic point networks and topographic feature sets — identify, orient, and validate using advanced mathematical and analytical software, ensuring geodetic integrity across complex datums.Airborne and satellite remote sensing collections — design data acquisition parameters and process imagery through full analytical workflows to produce verified geospatial deliverables.Non-routine cartographic and photogrammetric challenges — apply inductive and deductive reasoning to develop innovative solutions and document methodologies for organizational knowledge bases.Judgment on geospatial data fitness and publication readiness — exercise independently, applying professional standards to release decisions for high-stakes mapping products used by government or engineering clients.
advanced
Organization-wide map data compilation standards and source integration frameworks — establish and enforce to ensure consistency, traceability, and accuracy across all production teams and programs.Photogrammetric technology strategy — define equipment selection criteria and stereoplotting platform standards, guiding adoption of precision instruments across enterprise-scale mapping operations.Cartographic production methodologies for terrain modeling and 3D visualization — develop and institutionalize, incorporating emerging digital tools to advance organizational capability and output quality.Legal and geodetic boundary policy interpretations — advise senior leadership, agency partners, and legal counsel on complex international and national boundary delineation issues with high geopolitical sensitivity.Enterprise quality assurance frameworks for map and chart accuracy — architect and oversee, setting tolerance thresholds and audit protocols that govern all final composition releases.National or organizational map revision cycles and update governance — direct, allocating resources and setting revision prioritization criteria to maintain authoritative geospatial data currency at scale.Advanced geodetic and mathematical modeling standards — champion adoption across the organization, mentoring senior staff in applying cutting-edge formulas and software to complex spatial measurement problems.Remote sensing acquisition programs and partnerships — lead, negotiating data-sharing agreements with aerial and satellite providers and aligning collection strategies with long-range organizational mapping objectives.Cross-functional geospatial teams and external stakeholders — lead through complex, high-stakes projects, resolving conflicts, communicating decisions with clarity, and driving collaborative outcomes at the program level.Emerging cartographic and photogrammetric talent — develop through structured mentorship, curriculum design, and performance coaching, building organizational depth and succession readiness across all skill levels.
Also known as
235 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Stereo CompilerSpace Operations, ABM (Air Force 13S1N)Stereoplotter OperatorDrafter, CartographicSensor Operator Journeyman, AC-130U (Air Force 1U051U)Cyber Intelligence Craftsman (Air Force 1N471)Photogrammetric TechnicianSpace Operations, Airlift (Air Force 13S1T)Digital CartographerCartographerField-Map EditorAirborne Cryptologic Language Analyst Journeyman, Chinese (Air Force 1A851G)Space Projects Technologist (Navy 2098)Geospatial SpecialistSensor Operator Craftsman, AC-130J (Air Force 1U071V)Space Operations, Bomber (Air Force 13S4R)Sensor Operator Journeyman, MQ-1 (Air Force 1U051Q)Space Systems Operations (Air Force 1C6X1)Space Operations (Air Force 13S1)Special Reconnaissance Apprentice (Air Force 1Z431)Sensor OperatorApprentice, MC-12 (Air Force 1U031T)Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst Journeyman, Russian (Air Force 1A851I)Space Operations, Tanker (Air Force 13S3S)Sensor Operator Superintendent, AC-130W (Air Force 1U091W)Sensor Operator Craftsman, MC-12 (Air Force 1U071T)Space Operations, Helicopter or EWO (Air Force 13S1V)Space Operations, General (Air Force 13S3W)Sensor Operator Apprentice, AC-130J (Air Force 1U031V)MapperCadastral MapperAirborne Cryptologic Language Analyst Apprentice, Persian (Air Force 1A831K)Sensor Operator Journeyman, AC-130W (Air Force 1U051W)Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst Helper, Divested Languages (Air Force 1A811Z)Space Operations, Fighter (Air Force 13S3P)Engineering Craftsman (Air Force 3E571)All Source Intelligence Analyst (Air Force 1N0X1)Special Reconnaissance Helper (Air Force 1Z411)Battle Management Operations Journeyman, Weapons Director (Air Force 1C551D)Air and Missile Defense (AMD) Systems Technician (Army 140L)Sensor Operator Helper (Air Force 1U011)