Cartographer Science & Engineering Professionals
SaveWhat Does a Cartographer Do?
Cartographers create maps by combining various scientific informations depending of the purpose of the map (e.g. topographic, urban, or political maps). They combine the interpretation of mathematical notes and measurements with the aesthetics and visual depiction of the site for developing the maps. They may also work on developing and improving geographic information systems and may perform scientific research within cartography.
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Where Do I Start?
Geographic Information Systems
The tools involved in geographical mapping and positioning, such as GPS (global positioning systems), GIS (geographical information systems), and RS (remote sensing).
Sign up to trackReady to go deeper? Pick up to 3 skills to focus on from the list below.
These are common skills for this role. Real-world experience matters more than ticking every box — use this as a guide, not a checklist.
Skills You Need to Become a Cartographer
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
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EssentialGeographic Information Systems knowledge
The tools involved in geographical mapping and positioning, such as GPS (global positioning systems), GIS (geographical information systems), and RS (remote sensing).
Recommended Books
3 books -
EssentialGeomatics knowledge
The scientific discipline that studies gathering, storing, and processing geographic information.
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EssentialCartography knowledge
The study of interpreting the elements depicted in maps, the measures and technical specifications.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialGeography knowledge
The scientific discipline that studies the land, phenomena, characteristics and inhabitants of Earth. This field seeks to understand the natural and man-made complexities of Earth.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialMathematics knowledge
Mathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. It involves the identification of patterns and formulating new conjectures based on them. Mathematicians strive to prove …
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialTopography knowledge
Graphic representation of the surface features of a place or region on a map indicating their relative positions and elevations.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialApply Digital Mapping skill
Make maps by formatting compiled data into a virtual image that gives a precise representation of a specific area.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialCreate Gis Reports skill
Use relevant geographic informations systems to create reports and maps based on geospatial information, using GIS software programmes.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialCreate Thematic Maps skill
Use various techniques such as choropleth mapping and dasymetric mapping to create thematic maps based on geospatial information, using software programmes.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialExecute Analytical Mathematical Calculations skill
Apply mathematical methods and make use of calculation technologies in order to perform analyses and devise solutions to specific problems.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialUse Geographic Information Systems skill
Work with computer data systems such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialCollect Mapping Data skill
Collect and conserve mapping resources and mapping data.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialCompile Gis-Data skill
Gather and organise GIS-data from sources such as databases and maps.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialDraft Legends skill
Draft explanatory texts, tables or lists of symbols to make products such as maps and charts more accessible to users.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialHandle Geospatial Technologies skill
Use geospatial technologies which involve GPS (global positioning systems), GIS (geographical information systems), and RS (remote sensing) in the daily work.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialImprove User-Friendliness skill
Research and test new methods to make a product such as a website or map easier to use and understand.
Course recommendations coming soon.
Optional Skills (5 of 30 displayed)
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OptionalRemote Sensing Techniques knowledge
The different techniques to obtain information on objects and phenomena on Earth's surface without having physical contact with them, such as electromagnetic radiation, radar imaging, and sonar imaging.
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OptionalScientific Research Methodology knowledge
The theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.
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OptionalDesktop Publishing knowledge
The creation of documents using page layout skills on a computer. Desktop publishing software can generate layouts and produce typographic quality text and images.
Recommended Books
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OptionalGeodesy knowledge
The scientific discipline that combines applied mathematics and earth sciences in order to measure and represent the Earth. It studies phenomena such as gravitational fields, polar motion, and tides.
Recommended Books
3 books -
OptionalLegal Research knowledge
The methods and procedures of research in legal matters, such as the regulations, and different approaches to analyses and source gathering, and the knowledge on how to adapt the research …
Recommended Books
1 book -
OptionalGeology knowledge
Solid earth, rock types, structures and the processes by which they are altered.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalIct System Programming knowledge
The methods and tools required to develop system software, specifications of system architectures and interfacing techniques between network and system modules and components.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalSurveying knowledge
The technique of determining the terrestrial or three-dimensional position of points and the distances and angles between them.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalSurveying Methods knowledge
Have an understanding of surveying methods, remote sensing methods and equipment.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalPhotogrammetry knowledge
The science of taking photographs from at least two different locations in order to measure land surfaces to be represented in a map, 3D model or physical model.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalApply Desktop Publishing Techniques skill
Apply desktop publishing techniques and software to create page layouts and typographic quality text.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalArchive Scientific Documentation skill
Store documents such as protocols, analysis results and scientific data using archiving systems to enable scientists and engineers to take methods and results from previous studies into account for their …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAssist Scientific Research skill
Assist engineers or scientists with conducting experiments, performing analysis, developing new products or processes, constructing theory, and quality control.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCollect Data Using Gps skill
Gather data in the field using Global Positioning System (GPS) devices.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalConduct Field Work skill
Conduct field work or research which is the collection of information outside of a laboratory or workplace setting. Visit places in order to collect specific information about the field.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalConduct Quantitative Research skill
Execute a systematic empirical investigation of observable phenomena via statistical, mathematical or computational techniques.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalConduct Scholarly Research skill
Plan scholarly research by formulating the research question and conducting empirical or literature research in order to investigate the truth of the research question.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalDesign Graphics skill
Apply a variety of visual techniques in order to design graphic material. Combine graphical elements to communicate concepts and ideas.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalIdentify Customer's Needs skill
Use appropriate questions and active listening in order to identify customer expectations, desires and requirements according to product and services.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalOperate Scientific Measuring Equipment skill
Operate devices, machinery, and equipment designed for scientific measurement. Scientific equipment consists of specialised measuring instruments refined to facilitate the acquisition of data.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPerform Scientific Research skill
Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPerform Surveying Calculations skill
Perform calculations and gather technical data in order to determine earth curvature corrections, traverse adjustments and closures, level runs, azimuths, marker placements, etc.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalProcess Collected Survey Data skill
Analyse and interpret survey data acquired from a wide variety of sources e.g. satellite surveys, aerial photography and laser measurement systems.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalReport Analysis Results skill
Produce research documents or give presentations to report the results of a conducted research and analysis project, indicating the analysis procedures and methods which led to the results, as well …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalStudy Aerial Photos skill
Use aerial photos to study phenomena on Earth's surface.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalUse Cad Software skill
Use computer-aided design (CAD) systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation of a design.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalUse Digital Illustration Techniques skill
Create drawings using digital illustration programmes and techniques.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalDesign Customised Maps skill
Design maps taking into account the customer's specifications and requirements.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalUse Software For Data Preservation skill
Utilise specialised applications and software to collect and preserve digital information.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalUse Traditional Illustration Techniques skill
Create drawings using traditional illustration techniques such as watercolour, pen and ink, airbrush art, oil painting, pastels, wood engraving, and linoleum cuts.
Course recommendations coming soon.