Occupations/17-1021.00
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.
Usually a four-year bachelor’s degree.
AI automation risk
71%
Higher automation risk
Human characteristics
52%
Balanced human and task mix
Task orientation
73%
Higher automation risk
A day in this job
- Mostly routine
Compile data required for map preparation, including aerial photographs, survey notes, records, reports, and original maps.
- Mostly routine
Study legal records to establish boundaries of local, national, and international properties.
- Mostly routine
Inspect final compositions to ensure completeness and accuracy.
The tasks we can read here lean routine. That sits next to the AI risk rank — it is not a forecast that the job disappears.
Core tasks
- 01Compile data required for map preparation, including aerial photographs, survey notes, records, reports, and original maps.
- 02Delineate aerial photographic detail, such as control points, hydrography, topography, and cultural features, using precision stereoplotting apparatus or drafting instruments.
- 03Prepare and alter trace maps, charts, tables, detailed drawings, and three-dimensional optical models of terrain using stereoscopic plotting and computer graphics equipment.
- 04Study legal records to establish boundaries of local, national, and international properties.
- 05Inspect final compositions to ensure completeness and accuracy.
- 06Revise existing maps and charts, making all necessary corrections and adjustments.
Model drivers (O*NET 1–5)
- Repeating same tasks3.51
- Degree of automation2.68
- Time sitting4.83
- Originality (ability)3.00
- Conflict situations2.58
- Hands-on objects/tools4.12
- Outdoors / weather2.02
- Disease exposure1.00
- Decision freedom4.09
Top abilities
- Written Comprehension4.00
- Oral Comprehension3.88
- Near Vision3.88
- Inductive Reasoning3.62
- Written Expression3.50
- Oral Expression3.50
- Deductive Reasoning3.50
- Flexibility of Closure3.38
Essential skills
- Reading Comprehension4.00
- Active Listening3.38
- Writing3.50
- Speaking3.12
- Mathematics2.88
- Science1.88
- Critical Thinking3.50
- Active Learning3.25
- Learning Strategies2.88
- Monitoring3.12
CIP matches
Schools offering related programs
12 of 66 shown
Earnings are College Scorecard medians for that program, 1 and 2 years after completion. A dash means the Department suppressed the cell or the campus is not in the field file.
| Institution | Program | Tuition | Admit | Grad 6-yr | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
University of Florida Gainesville, FL · Public | Surveying Technology/Surveying 15.1102 | $6,400 | 23% | 89% | 1 yr $61,064 2 yr — Bachelor's · CIP 15.11 |
Howard University Washington, DC · Private nonprofit | Geospatial Intelligence 43.0407 | $33,200 | 53% | 65% | 1 yr $59,576 2 yr $61,218 Master's · CIP 43.04 |
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus University Park, PA · Public | Surveying Engineering 14.3801 | $19,600 | 55% | 86% | 1 yr $57,318 2 yr $59,722 Bachelor's · CIP 14.38 |
Boston University Boston, MA · Private nonprofit | Geospatial Intelligence 43.0407 | $65,200 | 14% | 89% | 1 yr $49,962 2 yr $49,937 Master's · CIP 43.04 |
University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA · Public | Geographic Information Science and Cartography 45.0702 | $13,800 | 9% | 92% | 1 yr $47,260 2 yr $46,087 Bachelor's · CIP 45.07 |
Florida State University Tallahassee, FL · Public | Geospatial Intelligence 43.0407 | $6,500 | 25% | 84% | 1 yr $47,260 2 yr — Bachelor's · CIP 43.04 |
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL · Public | Geographic Information Science and Cartography 45.0702 | $17,500 | 45% | 85% | 1 yr $44,384 2 yr $31,133 Bachelor's · CIP 45.07 |
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, VA · Public | Geospatial Intelligence 43.0407 | $15,200 | 57% | 86% | 1 yr $43,798 2 yr — Bachelor's · CIP 43.04 |
The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL · Public | Geographic Information Science and Cartography 45.0702 | $11,900 | 80% | 73% | 1 yr $42,682 2 yr $41,565 Bachelor's · CIP 45.07 |
Bemidji State University Bemidji, MN · Public | Geographic Information Science and Cartography 45.0702 | $9,900 | 77% | 58% | 1 yr $41,937 2 yr $36,941 Bachelor's · CIP 45.07 |
North Dakota State University Fargo, ND · Public | Geospatial Intelligence 43.0407 | $10,900 | 96% | 68% | 1 yr $41,565 2 yr $37,568 Bachelor's · CIP 43.04 |
University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, WA · Public | Geographic Information Science and Cartography 45.0702 | $12,600 | 48% | 84% | 1 yr $41,342 2 yr $36,164 Bachelor's · CIP 45.07 |