Collect, analyze, and interpret geographic information provided by geodetic surveys, aerial photographs, and satellite data. Research, study, and prepare maps and other spatial data in digital or graphic form for 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.

Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

1. Identify, scale, and orient geodetic points, elevations, and other planimetric or topographic features, applying standard mathematical formulas.

2. Collect information about specific features of the Earth using aerial photography and other digital remote sensing techniques.

3. Revise existing maps and charts, making all necessary corrections and adjustments.

4. Compile data required for map preparation, including aerial photographs, survey notes, records, reports, and original maps.

5. Inspect final compositions to ensure completeness and accuracy.

6. Determine map content and layout, as well as production specifications such as scale, size, projection, and colors, and direct production to ensure that specifications are followed.

7. Examine and analyze data from ground surveys, reports, aerial photographs, and satellite images to prepare topographic maps, aerial-photograph mosaics, and related charts.

8. Select aerial photographic and remote sensing techniques and plotting equipment needed to meet required standards of accuracy.

9. Delineate aerial photographic detail such as control points, hydrography, topography, and cultural features using precision stereoplotting apparatus or drafting instruments.

10. Build and update digital databases.

11. Prepare and alter trace maps, charts, tables, detailed drawings, and three-dimensional optical models of terrain using stereoscopic plotting and computer graphics equipment.

Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.

Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Technology Design - Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.

Geography - Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.

Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.

Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.

The college search results are undergraduate programs associated with Cartographers and Photogrammetrists. Further education may also be required to pursue this career.

The training search results include both short and long-term programs associated with Cartographers and Photogrammetrists, and may be more appropriate for adult and non-traditional students. Further training may also be required to pursue this career.

In NY the average wage for this occupation was:

$43,640 (per year) for entry level workers, and $67,510 (per year) for experienced workers.

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Based on the total number of annual openings and its growth rate, the employment prospects for this occupation are described as Less Favorable.

During 2006, there were approximately 12,184 Cartographers and Photogrammetrists employed in US.

We estimate that in 2016 there will be 14,656  employed in US. This represents an increase of 0 job(s) each year, and a total of 10 job openings each year.

Surveying, Mapping, and Drafting Technicians - Visit this link for information on this career in the military.

2006 Youth Enrichment Camps - FMCC's Youth Enrichment Camps offer a wide range of fun,educational opportunities. Make a movie, design a computer game, draw Manga, explore ancient Egypt, experiment with "matter", spatial information technology center, and more.

American Design Drafting Association (ADDA) - The American Design Drafting Association (ADDA) is a professional membership and educational society dedicated to serving the professional growth and advancement of the individual working in the design drafting community. ADDA is the only membership organization dedicated exclusively to the professional designer/drafter in all disciplines.

Imager for Magnetopause-to-Aurora Global Exploration (IMAGE) Education Center - The IMAGE mission showed us space around the Earth is anything but empty, and that plasma clouds can be imaged and tracked just as we do from space for Earth's surface weather. IMAGE's Education Center provides information about auroral science and the Earth's magnetic field. The site includes links to pictures, movies, math exercices, activities and more.

Fulton Montgomery Community College's Youth Enrichment Camps - FMCC's Youth Enrichment Camps offer a wide range of fun,educational opportunities. Make a movie, design a computer game, draw Manga, explore ancient Egypt, experiment with matter, spatial information technology center, and more.

Spatial Information Technology Center (SITC) - SITC is a collaborative effort between FMCC and NASA. Spatial information refers to data that is connected to a geographic location. Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing, and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are technologies for collecting, analyzing, and displaying spatial information.

Cornell University Cooperative Extension New York City 4 H Youth Favorite Places - 4 H Youth Favorite Places (YFP) is an activity designed to help teach youth about Geographic Information Systems/Global Positioning System (GIS/GPS) as well as provide a service to their community, in which youth "map" their favorite places in their community.

Xpeditions Geography Standards in Your Classroom Lesson Plans - Xpeditions is home to the U.S. National Geography Standards. The Lesson Plans are teacher-tested, sorted by standard and grade level.

U.S. Geological Survey(USGS): Science for a Changing World - USGS is an unbiased, multi-disciplinary science organization that focuses on biology, geography, geology, geospatial information, and water, and are dedicated to the timely, relevant, and impartial study of the landscape, our natural resources, and the natural hazards that threaten us.

Surveyors, cartographers, photogrammetrists, and surveying technicians - Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.

Surveyors - Make exact measurements and determine property boundaries. Provide data relevant to the shape, contour, gravitation, location, elevation, or dimension of land or land features on or near the earth's surface for engineering, mapmaking, mining, land evaluation, construction, and other purposes.

Civil Drafters - Prepare drawings and topographical and relief maps used in civil engineering projects, such as highways, bridges, pipelines, flood control projects, and water and sewerage control systems.

Mapping Technicians - Calculate mapmaking information from field notes, and draw and verify accuracy of topographical maps.

Park Naturalists - Plan, develop, and conduct programs to inform public of historical, natural, and scientific features of national, state, or local park.

City and Regional Planning Aides - Compile data from various sources, such as maps, reports, and field and file investigations, for use by city planner in making planning studies.

Postal Service Mail Carriers - Sort mail for delivery. Deliver mail on established route by vehicle or on foot.

Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service - Prepare incoming and outgoing mail for distribution. Use hand or mail handling machines to time stamp, open, read, sort, and route incoming mail; and address, seal, stamp, fold, stuff, and affix postage to outgoing mail or packages. Duties may also include keeping necessary records and completed forms.

Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity - Drive bus or motor coach, including regular route operations, charters, and private carriage. May assist passengers with baggage. May collect fares or tickets.