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Cartography

Career in Cartography

“Cartography is the study and practice of making maps. Combining science, aesthetics, and technique, cartography builds on the premise that reality can be modeled in ways that communicate spatial information effectively. Modern cartography is closely integrated with geographic information science (GIScience) and constitutes many theoretical and practical foundations of geographic information systems.” – Taken From Wikipedia

Basic cartography covers two data components

Location data: indicating where the area being depicted is located, geographical coordinates such as latitude and longitude to orient their features.

Attribution data: showing bodies of liquid, volcano, basin/dell/valleys, hills/mount, and other geographical features of interest and of note.

Key to Success

To be successful in Cartography you should have/ develop:

Perceptive and probing mind
Visual-spatial ability
Ability to draw
Keen observation
Interest in mathematics and science
Analytical & Logical thinking

Scope and Opportunities

Pace and development of Satellite Technology and Geographical Information System has made Cartography a more promising career option in recent time then even before.

Now days satellite technology and Geographic Information Systems has huge career opportunities open for a well-qualified and able Cartographer. GIS is an important tool for every cartographer and even they use GPS to locate the accurate reference point.

They work with various government departments and research institutes. Various Private sector organizations are using Geographic Information Systems and remote sensing technology also require a highly skilled cartographer.

Lifestyle & Social Status

They spend maximum of their work hours in office, working on computers mapping system and other cartographic specialized equipment.
Field work and traveling to remote and less developed areas. Cartographers must be physically fit and healthy to work in any situation & locale, and must keep an updated data regarding the earth and the changes occurring.

Career Path

Job Profile

Cartographer’s job description can be assessed by the work they do, they often draft maps in graphic and digital form using remote sensing systems and geodetic surveys. Use manual and computerized drafting instruments, photogrammetric techniques, mathematical formulas, and precision stereo plotting equipment. Above all, cartographers must be able to contribute specific representations of the data they have gathered.

Cartographer job profile includes works like conducting on field surveys and compiling geographic, political, and cultural information in order to prepare maps of large areas.
Dig up in to into geographical formations and localities; marshal the information and producing maps and other topographical graphic representations.
Cartographer: Cartographer is the person who can make maps, charts, globes, and models of earth and who is specialized with these domain skills.
GIS Specialist: Geographic Information Systems specialist collects information and does research by the GIS.

What are the key skills required for Cartography

Skill Sets

Drawing Skills
Mathematical Skills
Computer Skills
Analytical Skills
Logical Skills

Work Value

Travelling
Work independently
Adaptability/Flexibility
Learning

What are the career opportunities in Cartography

Current Job Scenario

Salaries for cartographers vary considerably depending on the employer and the experience of the cartographer.
Cartographers employed in government departments.
In private sector remuneration is very high.
Private sector organisations are now in need to recognise the skill that a geographically-trained cartographer individual can bring to their use. Many skilled resources working as a cartographer, Geographic Information Systems specialists, analysis, scientists, researchers, and many at other important profiles in large scale organizations..

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