Cartographers and photogrammetrists turn geographic data into visual maps and 3D models, shaping everything from detailed road atlases to the terrain models used in urban planning, environmental conservation, and defense applications. If you’re intrigued by geography, enjoy data analysis, and have an eye for visual design, this career path may align perfectly with your talents. Read on to see if you could be interested in a role like this…

In this guide, you’ll find:

• Day-to-day duties of cartographers and photogrammetrists
  
  
• Key skills and personal qualities
  
  
• Work environments and industries
  
  
• Education, training, and certifications
  
  
• Median salary and job outlook from the BLS
  
  
• Career paths and advancement opportunities
  
  
• How the MAPP Career Assessment can clarify fit
  
  
• Actionable tips for aspiring professionals
  
  

What Do Cartographers & Photogrammetrists Do?

Cartographers translate raw geographic data (e.g., satellite imagery, surveys, census data) into maps, charts, and spatial visualizations. Photogrammetrists specialize in extracting measurements and models from aerial photographs and remote-sensing data, often creating 3D representations of terrain, infrastructure, or archaeological sites.

Core Responsibilities:

• Collect and analyze spatial data from GPS, LiDAR, satellite imagery, and field surveys
  
  
• Use GIS (Geographic Information Systems) software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) to process data layers
  
  
• Design, compile, and edit maps—adding labels, legends, scales, and coordinate grids
  
  
• Generate 3D models and terrain visualizations from photogrammetric data
  
  
• Ensure accuracy by validating projections, scales, and geodetic control points
  
  
• Collaborate with urban planners, environmental scientists, civil engineers, and government agencies
  
  
• Update maps to reflect changes (e.g., new roads, zoning updates, natural events)
  
  
• Create web-based interactive maps and story maps for public engagement

Essential Skills & Qualities

Successful cartographers and photogrammetrists combine technical prowess with creativity and analytical thinking:

• Spatial Reasoning: Visualize and manipulate geographic data in two and three dimensions.
  
  
• Attention to Detail: Ensure precision in scale, coordinate systems, and data accuracy.
  
  
• Technical Proficiency: Mastery of GIS software (ArcGIS/QGIS), remote-sensing tools, CAD, and photogrammetry suites (e.g., Agisoft Metashape).
  
  
• Analytical Skills: Interpret complex datasets and transform them into clear visual products.
  
  
• Design Sense: Craft maps that are both informative and aesthetically engaging.
  
  
• Coding & Automation: Familiarity with Python or R for GIS scripting and data processing.
  
  
• Communication: Present findings clearly to stakeholders with varying technical backgrounds.

Work Environment & Industries

Cartographers and photogrammetrists typically work full-time in offices, labs, or field settings. Work may involve:

• Government Agencies:S. Geological Survey (USGS), National Park Service, state DOTs
  
  
• Urban Planning & Engineering Firms: Mapping infrastructure, utilities, and land-use plans
  
  
• Environmental & Conservation Organizations: Habitat modeling, climate impact studies
  
  
• Defense & Intelligence: Topographic mapping, mission planning
  
  
• Technology & GIS Consultancies: Developing custom mapping applications
  
  
• Aerospace & Remote-Sensing Companies: Processing satellite and drone imagery
  
  

Fieldwork may require travel to collect ground-control points or operate drones. Office hours are generally standard business hours, with occasional overtime for project deadlines.

Education & Training

Typical Academic Path:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Geography, Geomatics, GIS, Cartography, Surveying Engineering, or a related field.
  
  
• Coursework in geodesy, remote sensing, database design, cartographic design, and programming.
  
  
• Hands-on experience through labs, internships, or capstone projects creating real maps/models.
  
  

Many professionals pursue a master’s degree in GIScience, Geomatics, or Geospatial Data Science to specialize further or move into research roles.

Certifications

Certifications demonstrate your expertise and commitment:

• GIS Professional (GISP) from the GIS Certification Institute
  
  
• Certified Photogrammetrist from the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS)
  
  
• Esri Technical Certifications (e.g., ArcGIS Desktop Professional)
  
  
• Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Certification for drone-based mapping

Salary & Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

• Median Annual Salary (2023): $68,380
  
  
• Top 10% Earners: Over $109,000
  
  
• Bottom 10% Earners: Less than $40,000
  
  

Job Outlook (2022–2032):

• Projected Change: -4% (decline)
  
  
• Key Factors: Advances in automated mapping, improved remote-sensing technology, and integration of GIS into mainstream software.
  
  

Despite the slight decline, opportunities persist for specialists in 3D modeling, web GIS, and drone mapping, particularly in regions with active infrastructure development or environmental monitoring programs.

Career Path & Advancement

Entry-level roles often include GIS Technician or Junior Cartographer. With experience, you can advance to:

• Senior Cartographer / Lead GIS Specialist
  
  
• Photogrammetry Lead
  
  
• GIS Project Manager
  
  
• Geospatial Data Scientist
  
  
• Director of GIS / Mapping Services
  
  

Alternatively, some professionals transition into related fields such as urban planning, environmental analysis, or remote-sensing research.

Is This the Right Career for You??

If you’re analytical, creative, and passionate about geography and technology, cartography and photogrammetry offer a unique blend of fieldwork, data science, and design. To evaluate your fit, take the Free MAPP Career Assessment,  it matches your personal motivations and strengths to careers where you’ll thrive.

Tips for Aspiring Cartographers & Photogrammetrists

1. Build a Portfolio: Showcase a variety of maps and 3D models—print and interactive online maps.
   
   
2. Learn Scripting: Automate workflows with Python, R, or JavaScript (Leaflet, Mapbox GL).
   
   
3. Gain Field Experience: Volunteer on local surveying or conservation projects to learn ground-truthing techniques.
   
   
4. Stay Current: Follow ASPRS and GIS conferences (e.g., Esri UC) for emerging tools and best practices.
   
   
5. Network: Join professional associations like URISA or local GIS user groups.

Closing Thoughts

Cartographers and photogrammetrists transform data into actionable insights, guiding decisions in urban planning, environmental conservation, defense, and beyond. While automation changes the landscape, skilled professionals who blend technical, analytical, and design skills remain in demand, especially those adept at advanced spatial analysis and drone-based mapping.

If you’re interested and excited by the prospect of charting new frontiers and visualizing our world in novel ways, cartography and photogrammetry could be your career map to success.

‍