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Cartographer
Map MakerMapping ScientistLand Information OfficerSpatial Information Technician )



Duties and Tasks
Specialisations
Quick Facts
Work Conditions
Personal Requirements
Related Industries
Labour Market
Related Jobs
Earnings
Related Courses
Further Information
State Specific Information

Designing a new map
Designing a new map


Cartographers design, prepare and revise maps, charts, plans, three-dimensional models and spatial information databases, often using computer-based techniques, and applying principles from science, mathematics and graphic design.

Spatial information refers to information about the geographical relationship between places, people and other items within a particular area. 

Fact Sheet

Duties and Tasks

Cartographers may perform the following tasks:

  • produce paper maps and web-delivered electronic maps using desktop publishing, computer graphics and multimedia software
  • take part in the design and management of geographical information systems (GIS)
  • design and produce interactive mapping products for use on computer systems and the web
  • supervise and coordinate the work of cartographic technicians and other production team members
  • produce digital topographic and thematic data for use in geographical databases
  • analyse and interpret information from a range of sources (including surveyors' notes, aerial photographs, remote sensing satellite imagery and existing maps and records) and prepare reports
  • advise other professionals on the data requirements for map production and on the artistic, technical and economic aspects of map making.

Specialisations

Cartographers may specialise in topographical maps (which show earth surface features and land use); or maps used for operational purposes in fields such as town planning, weather forecasting, tourism, hydrography, geological or mineral exploration and the military. Cartographers may also take part in the development of geographical information systems, including the processing, storage, presentation and analysis of data within those systems.

Info Icon Quick Facts

Learning Area Art  
Computing Studies  
Geography  
Industrial Arts  
Physics  
Work Demand Including good vision for detail  
Including mainly indoor work  
Including reading or writing  
Work Field Natural Sciences and Mathematics  
Work Interest Analytic or Scientific  
Creative or Artistic  
Organising or Clerical  
Skill Level Professional Jobs  
Quick Facts

Work Conditions

Cartographers may have to travel to collect information. They may be required to liaise with clients, government officials and industry.

Personal Requirements

  • enjoy design and computer graphics
  • enjoy geography
  • able to work neatly and accurately, paying attention to detail
  • good at mathematics and science
  • able to work as part of a team.

Related Industries

Printing (including the Reproduction of Recorded Media)
Publishing (except Internet and Music Publishing)
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (Except Computer System Design and Related Services)

Labour Market

Information

Australian JobOutlook for Cartographers and Surveyors

Vacancies

Australian JobSearch for Cartographers and Surveyors (ALL AUSTRALIA)
Work Opportunities websites

Related Jobs

Cartographic Technician
Geographer
Surveyor

Earnings


Income of persons working full-time, 2006
Cartographers and Surveyors

Income per Week Number Share (%)
$1000 or more 5,311 64.6
$400 - $599 349 4.2
$600 - $799 837 10.2
$800 - $999 1,608 19.6
Less than $400 115 1.4


Copyright 2007 education.au

This information is based on the 2006 census conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.


Earnings of persons working full-time and part-time, 2006
Cartographers and Surveyors

Employment Status Weekly Income ($)
Full-time 1,163
Part-time 249


Copyright 2007 education.au

This information is based on the Employee Earnings, Benefits and Trade Union Membership survey conducting annually by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

How Much?

Related Courses

New South Wales / ACT
Queensland
South Australia
Tasmania
Victoria
Western Australia

See State Specific Information below for further education and training options.

Further Information

Careers Centre, Engineers Australia
Heritage Council of WA
Mapping Sciences Institute, Australia (National Office)
Spatial Sciences Institute (National Office)

State Specific Information

New South Wales / ACT
Northern Territory
Queensland
South Australia
Tasmania
Victoria
Western Australia

Examining new map for imperfections
Examining new map for imperfections

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