Engineering and architecture
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 pay
$81,390
Growth to 2035
+7%
faster than average
Openings a year
900
Time to qualify*
Minimal
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Cartographers and photogrammetrists
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Bachelor's degree
- On-the-job training
- None
- Prior experience
- None
Calculate your switch to cartographers and photogrammetrists
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Cartographers and photogrammetrists: 43% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core 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.
Also called: Aerial Photogrammetrist · Cartographer · Cartographic Designer · Digital Cartographer · Mapper · Photogrammetric Technician · Photogrammetrist · Stereo Compiler
Outlook and AI
Cartographers and photogrammetrists held 14,700 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 15,700 by 2035 (+7%, faster than average; all jobs: +3.5%).
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