Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

17-1021.00

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.

Occupation-Specific Information

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.
• Examine and analyze data from ground surveys, reports, aerial photographs, and satellite images to prepare topographic maps, aerial-photograph mosaics, and related charts.
• Build and update digital databases.
• 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.
• Determine guidelines that specify which source material is acceptable for use.
• Select aerial photographic and remote sensing techniques and plotting equipment needed to meet required standards of accuracy.
• Travel over photographed areas to observe, identify, record, and verify all relevant features.

Technology Skills

• Analytical or scientific software - Boeing Kork Digital Mapping; Boeing SoftPlotter; Image analysis software; RSI ENVI; Terrasolid TerraScan
• Cloud-based data access and sharing software - Microsoft SharePoint 🔥
• Computer aided design CAD software - Autodesk AutoCAD 🔥; Bentley MicroStation 🔥; Computer aided design CAD software; Cosmo Software Cosmo World; MultiGen Paradigm Vega Prime
• Data base management system software - SAP Adaptive Server Enterprise
• Data base user interface and query software - Autodesk World; Microsoft Access 🔥; Oracle Database 🔥; Structured query language SQL 🔥
• Data compression software - Arbor Image Draftsman
• Desktop publishing software - Adobe InDesign 🔥; Corporate Montage CADScript; Desktop publishing software; QuarkXPress
• Development environment software - C ; Microsoft Visual Basic 🔥; Software development tools; Standardized general markup language SGML
• Document management software - Adobe Acrobat 🔥
• Electronic mail software - Email software; Microsoft Outlook 🔥
• Enterprise application integration software - Extensible markup language XML 🔥
• Enterprise resource planning ERP software - SAP software 🔥
• Flight control software - Leica AEROPLAN LiDAR
• Geographic information system - ESRI ArcGIS software ; ESRI ArcInfo; ESRI ArcView; ESRI software; Geographic information system GIS software; Geographic information system GIS systems
• Graphics or photo imaging software - Adobe Creative Cloud software 🔥; Adobe Illustrator 🔥; Adobe Photoshop 🔥; Aldus FreeHand; Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite; Image processing software; Steroplotter software
• Information retrieval or search software - Digital databases; Master Seafloor Digital Database; Rand McNally World Digital Database; World Vector Shoreline
• Internet browser software - Microsoft Internet Explorer
• Map creation software - Aerotriangulation adjustment software; Bentley Systems InRoads Suite; Digital mapping software; ERDAS ER Mapper; Geomechanical design analysis GDA software; Hexagon Intergraph; Intergraph ImageStation Stereo Softcopy Kit SSK; MapInfo; Mapping software; Mapthematics GeoCart; Precision analytical aerotriangulation pugging software
• Object or component oriented development software - Python
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software 🔥
• Operating system software - Microsoft operating system; Microsoft Windows 🔥
• Platform interconnectivity software - IBM iSeries Access
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint 🔥
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel ; Spreadsheet software
• Web page creation and editing software - Adobe Dreamweaver; Quark Immedia
• Web platform development software - JavaScript Object Notation JSON 🔥
• Word processing software - Microsoft Word 🔥; Word processing software

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - 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.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Gather physical survey data.
• Create maps.
• Inspect finished products to locate flaws.
• Calculate geographic positions from survey data.
• Survey land or bodies of water to measure or determine features.
• Analyze physical, survey, or geographic data.
• Operate computer systems.
• Determine design criteria or specifications.
• Determine operational methods.
• Select tools, equipment, or technologies for use in operations or projects.