WHAT IS CARTOGRAPHY ?

Cartographer (Map Maker) is a professional who is apt in drawing various kinds of maps and charts. With the globalization of the world and need of all the information/data of the universe at one place that too in digital and visual form, the importance of the cartographic professionals has increased incredibly. Cartographers are responsible to gather, analyze and deliver interpretations of spatial measurements such as latitude, longitude, elevation, and distance besides working with information about populations, patterns and cycles of land-use, rain and snowfall, and particulars about the ages, incomes, and lifestyles of the inhabitants of the concerned area.

With the increasing use of satellite technology and Geographical Information System in almost all walks of life, Cartography is becoming a more promising career option in recent time than ever before. In the present age of satellite technology and GIS, varied career options are open for well-qualified and able Cartographer.

Cartographers often use Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to accurately locate reference points. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is also an important tool for cartographers. Cartographer job description can be assessed by the work they do, they often create maps in graphics and digital form using remote sensing systems and geodetic surveys.  They work with various government departments and research institutes. Several private sector organization using GIS and remote sensing technology also require the service of a qualified Cartographer.

Cartographers can also join NGOs and other developmental agencies engaged in population studies, rural development and various environmental issues. Teaching in schools/colleges/universities is also a good option for a cartographer. They can also work on various assignments independently and sell their work and expertise to various institutions/organization working in the same field. But to be an expert cartographer one has to be very hard working and dedicated. To be a cartographer is not an easy task as they have to work in varying conditions at different places that too endlessly for several months at a stretch sometimes.

Cartographer Eligibility

Educational Qualification
Bachelor’s Degree in Cartography / Geography or any other acceptable degrees includes like surveying, engineering, forestry, or any of the physical sciences.

Cartographer Required Skills

• They should have an interest in geography and the environment; an eye for layout and design, good spatial awareness and colour vision.
• They also possess skills like IT literacy; analytical ability and problem-solving skills; high standards of accuracy, a systematic approach, attention to detail and attention to set procedures.
• Cartographers also have the ability to interpret data, graphical representations and symbols and the ability to work independently.

How to become a Cartographer?

To be a Cartographer one has to follow the given steps:

Step 1
After completing 12 class one has to take admission in a three-year undergraduate course with cartography as one of the main subjects at this level. This admission in this course is available in almost all the art colleges on first come first basis. However, some colleges take an entrance test to provide admission to the undergraduate course in cartography as one main subject.

Step 2
After completing this 3 years of undergraduate degree course one can go for the Master’s Degree / M.Phil. / Ph.D. At these levels, one can choose any specialized courses in Geography like Cartography.

A master’s degree in geography is very helpful for the student who desires to teach at the high school or community college level, to be a cartographer or GIS specialist.

A doctorate in geography (PhD) is necessary if one wishes to become a professor at a university. Although, many PhD holders in geography continue on to form consulting firms, become administrators in government agencies, or attain high-level research positions in corporations or think-tanks.

Step 3
After having these qualifications in hand one can look for a career in teaching at the high school or community college level, to be a cartographer or GIS specialist, or work in business or government.

Cartographer Job Description

Cartographer job includes surveying field and compiling geographic, political, and cultural information in order to prepare maps of large areas. As a cartographer, their primary focus is to measure, map, and chart the surface of a given geographical area. This work involves research into geographical formations and localities, compiling data and producing maps and other topographical graphic representations.

Cartographer Career Prospects

Enormous employment opportunities are available for cartographers not only in the public sector but also in the private sector now. Companies in the private sector are now recognizing the skill that a geographically-trained cartographer individual can brings to their use.  Many trained professional can be found working as cartographers (map makers), GIS specialists, analysis, scientists, researchers, and many at other important positions in the big organization. Experienced cartographers can also be found working as instructors, professors, and researchers at schools, colleges, and in universities.

Cartographer Salary

For starter one can get anywhere near Rs.15,000 to Rs.20,000 and if one decides to join some overseas organization, he can get anywhere near Rs.5,00,000 to Rs.10,000,00 per year depending upon the organization. After gaining some on job experience one gets as good as Rs.50,000 per month and more.