This logo isn't an ad or affiliate link. It's an organization that shares in our mission, and empowered the authors to share their insights in Byte form.
Rumie vets Bytes for compliance with our
Standards.
The organization is responsible for the completeness and reliability of the content.
Learn more
about how Rumie works with partners.
Is Cartography a Lost Art?
Cartography tells us stories by weaving representations of the world around us into maps.
It is a combination of art, science, and technology.
So cartographers make maps? What else do they do?
Cartography Is Timeless
As technology advanced, cartography became digital. Cartography combined its artistic cartographic techniques with the sciences. You use it when you get an Uber, search for a restaurant or check the weather.
The Life Of A Cartographer
Cartography is more than map-making.
Cartographers use data to study, design, and produce digital and physical maps for public consumption.
A Typical Day...
Collecting data through on-site surveys, aerial photographs, satellite imagery, and reports
Storing, evaluating, and updating geographical data
Analyzing data using computer and map software
Designing cartographic, graphic, and web-based map products
Researching background information for analysis and findings
Updating and revising existing maps
Collaborating with information providers and clients
Quiz
What are some key skills of a cartographer?
Cartographers make accurate, user-friendly maps using computer software.
Did you know?
Where Do Cartographers Work?
Government
Federal government
State government
Local government
Higher Education Institutions
Universities
Colleges
Institutes of technology
Private Sector
Engineering firms
Consulting firms
Architectural firms
Non-Profit
Conservation and Ecology
Museums
Land Trusts
Quiz
Where would a cartographer work?
Cartographers work in different kinds of public and private institutions. If a job uses data to solve a real-world problem, then a cartographer is likely to be involved.
Did you know?
You’ll Love It If...
You love making user-friendly high-quality maps.
You're flexible with staying indoors or going into the field.
You love being challenged by learning new methods and techniques.
You're willing to get a degree in cartography, geography, or computer science.
Look For Something Else If...
You dislike the process of keeping up with changing cartographic technologies.
You hate making constant revisions to your work.
You dislike researching information and collecting data from various sources for one project.
Qualities Of A Cartographer
Who is most likely to go into cartography?
Amelia
writes fiction
seeks out challenges at work
creates maps for fun
Benjamin
likes working on his own
prefers to specialize in one field
volunteers to plant trees in local parks
Hasan
codes in three different programming languages
believes in life-long learning
has worked in several fields
Quiz
Whose skill set is similar to that of a Cartographer's?
Cartographers wear many hats. They might wear other titles and have other duties depending on where they work!
The average salary of cartographers in the United States is Take Action
If cartography interests you...
This Byte has been authored by
Zhaneille Green
Learning Designer/Squad Leader