Description
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.
Interests
- Conventional
- Investigative
- Realistic
Work Values
- Achievement
- Independence
- Working Conditions
Work Styles
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cooperation
- Adaptability/Flexibility
- Innovation
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.
Work Activities
- Getting Information
- Working with Computers
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Detailed Work Activities
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
- Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Technology Skills
- Graphics or photo imaging software
- Presentation software
- Map creation software
- Geographic information system
- Analytical or scientific software
Abilities
- Written Comprehension
- Near Vision
- Oral Comprehension
- Inductive Reasoning
- Deductive Reasoning
Skills
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Active Listening
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Geography
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Design
- Mathematics
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.
Certificates
Certificate name
Certified Mapping Scientist, GIS/LIS (ASPRS)Certifying Organization
American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing - Imaging & Geospatial Information Society
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Certified Mapping Scientist, Remote Sensing (ASPRS)Certifying Organization
American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing - Imaging & Geospatial Information Society
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Certified Photogrammetrist (ASPRS)Certifying Organization
American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing - Imaging & Geospatial Information Society
Type
Core
Certificate name
Certified Digital Designer - Digital ImagingCertifying Organization
American Design Drafting Association/American Digital Design Association
Type
Core
Certificate name
Cadastral Mapping SpecialistCertifying Organization
International Association of Assessing Officers
Type
Specialty
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $56,271 |
| Median (50%) | $81,860 |
| High (90%) | $103,624 |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
Entry Level  | N/A |
| Mid Level | N/A |
| Senior Level | N/A |
| Expert Level | N/A |
Employability
There are currently 12,900 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to increase to 13,700 positions, reflecting a projected growth of 6%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of 6%
Related Careers
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.
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