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Cartographers and Photogrammetrists - 17-1021.00

O*NET-SOC Description

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.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Aerial Photogrammetrist
  • Cartographer
  • Cartographic Designer
  • Digital Cartographer
  • Mapper
  • Photogrammetric Technician
  • Photogrammetrist
  • Stereo Compiler
  • Stereoplotter Operator

SOC Occupation Groups

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Build and update digital databases.
  • Collect information about specific features of the Earth, using aerial photography and other digital remote sensing techniques.
  • 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.
  • Determine guidelines that specify which source material is acceptable for use.
  • 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.
  • Examine and analyze data from ground surveys, reports, aerial photographs, and satellite images to prepare topographic maps, aerial-photograph mosaics, and related charts.
  • Identify, scale, and orient geodetic points, elevations, and other planimetric or topographic features, applying standard mathematical formulas.
  • Inspect final compositions to ensure completeness and accuracy.
  • Prepare and alter trace maps, charts, tables, detailed drawings, and three-dimensional optical models of terrain using stereoscopic plotting and computer graphics equipment.
  • Revise existing maps and charts, making all necessary corrections and adjustments.
  • Select aerial photographic and remote sensing techniques and plotting equipment needed to meet required standards of accuracy.
  • Study legal records to establish boundaries of local, national, and international properties.
  • Travel over photographed areas to observe, identify, record, and verify all relevant features.

Detailed Work Activities

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

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Advanced Strike and Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) Mensuration Analyst (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Afloat Imagery Manager (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Air and Missile Defense (AMD) Crewmember (Army - Enlisted)
  • Air and Missile Defense (AMD) Systems Tactician (Army - Warrant Officer only)
  • Air and Missile Defense (AMD) Systems Technician (Army - Warrant Officer only)
  • Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst Apprentice, Arabic (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst Apprentice, Chinese (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst Apprentice, Divested Languages (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst Apprentice, Korean (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst Apprentice, Pashto (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst Apprentice, Persian (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst Apprentice, Russian (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst Apprentice, Spanish (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst Craftsman, Arabic (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst Craftsman, Chinese (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst Craftsman, Divested Languages (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst Craftsman, Korean (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst Craftsman, Pashto (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst Craftsman, Persian (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst Craftsman, Russian (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst Craftsman, Spanish (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst Helper, Arabic (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst Helper, Chinese (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst Helper, Divested Languages (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst Helper, Korean (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst Helper, Pashto (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst Helper, Persian (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst Helper, Russian (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst Helper, Spanish (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst Journeyman, Arabic (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst Journeyman, Chinese (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst Journeyman, Divested Languages (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst Journeyman, Korean (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst Journeyman, Pashto (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst Journeyman, Persian (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst Journeyman, Russian (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst Journeyman, Spanish (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Operator (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Operator Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Operator Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Operator Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Operator Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • All Source Intelligence Analyst (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • All Source Intelligence Analyst Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • All Source Intelligence Analyst Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • All Source Intelligence Analyst Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • All Source Intelligence Analyst Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • AVENGER Crewmember (USAR/NG only) (Army - Enlisted)
  • Battle Management Operations (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Battle Management Operations Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Battle Management Operations Apprentice, Weapons Director (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Battle Management Operations Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Battle Management Operations Craftsman, Weapons Director (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Battle Management Operations Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Battle Management Operations Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Battle Management Operations Journeyman, Weapons Director (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Battle Management Operations Superintendent (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cartographer (Army - Enlisted)
  • Common Ground Station (CGS) Analyst (Army - Enlisted)
  • Common Ground Station Operator (Army - Enlisted)
  • Construction Engineering Technician (Army - Warrant Officer only)
  • Conversion NEC EA Engineering Aid Basic (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Counterintelligence/Human Intelligence (CI/HUMINT) Specialist (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Cryptologic Analyst and Reporter (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cryptologic Analyst and Reporter Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cryptologic Analyst and Reporter Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cryptologic Analyst and Reporter Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cryptologic Analyst and Reporter Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Intelligence (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Intelligence Apprentice, Analyst (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Intelligence Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Intelligence Craftsman, Analyst (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Intelligence Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Intelligence Helper, Analyst (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cyber Intelligence Journeyman, Analyst (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Digital Imagery Workstation Suite Afloat (DIWSA) Operator/Analyst (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Engineer Assistant (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Engineering (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Engineering Aid (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Engineering Aide (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Engineering Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Engineering Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Engineering Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Engineering Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Engineering Superintendent (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Field Artillery Fire Control Marine (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Field Artillery Sensor Support Marine (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Fire Control Specialist (Army - Enlisted)
  • Geographic Intelligence Specialist (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Geospatial Engineer (Army - Enlisted)
  • Geospatial Engineering Technician (Army - Warrant Officer only)
  • Geospatial Information and Services (GIandS) Officer (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Geospatial Intelligence (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Geospatial Intelligence (Space Force - Enlisted)
  • Geospatial Intelligence Analyst (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Geospatial Intelligence Analyst (GEOINT) (Space Force - Enlisted)
  • Geospatial Intelligence Analyst (GEOINT) Apprentice (Space Force - Enlisted)
  • Geospatial Intelligence Analyst (GEOINT) Craftsman (Space Force - Enlisted)
  • Geospatial Intelligence Analyst (GEOINT) Helper (Space Force - Enlisted)
  • Geospatial Intelligence Analyst (GEOINT) Journeyman (Space Force - Enlisted)
  • Geospatial Intelligence Analyst (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Geospatial Intelligence Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Geospatial Intelligence Apprentice (Space Force - Enlisted)
  • Geospatial Intelligence Apprentice, Imagery Analyst (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Geospatial Intelligence Apprentice, Imagery Analyst (Space Force - Enlisted)
  • Geospatial Intelligence Apprentice, Targeteer (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Geospatial Intelligence Craftsman, Imagery Analyst (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Geospatial Intelligence Craftsman, Imagery Analyst (Space Force - Enlisted)
  • Geospatial Intelligence Craftsman, Targeteer (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Geospatial Intelligence Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Geospatial Intelligence Helper (Space Force - Enlisted)
  • Geospatial Intelligence Helper, Imagery Analyst (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Geospatial Intelligence Helper, Imagery Analyst (Space Force - Enlisted)
  • Geospatial Intelligence Helper, Targeteer (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Geospatial Intelligence Imagery Analyst (Army - Enlisted)
  • Geospatial Intelligence Imagery Technician (Army - Warrant Officer only)
  • Geospatial Intelligence Journeyman, Imagery Analyst (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Geospatial Intelligence Journeyman, Imagery Analyst (Space Force - Enlisted)
  • Geospatial Intelligence Journeyman, Targeteer (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Geospatial Intelligence Superintendent (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Geospatial Intelligence Superintendent (Space Force - Enlisted)
  • Geospatial-Imagery Interpreter (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Heavy Aircraft Integrated Avionics (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Heavy Aircraft Integrated Avionics Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Heavy Aircraft Integrated Avionics Craftsman, C4ISR Mission Systems (E-3, E-4, E-7, E-8, EC-130H, RC-135, VC-25) (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Heavy Aircraft Integrated Avionics Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Heavy Aircraft Integrated Avionics Journeyman, C4ISR Mission Systems (E-3, E-4, E-7, E-8, EC-130H, RC-135, VC-25) (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Imagery Analysis (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Imagery Analysis Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Imagery Analysis Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Imagery Analysis Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Imagery Analysis Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Imagery Analysis Specialist (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Imagery Analyst (Army - Enlisted)
  • Imagery Intelligence Analyst (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Imagery Intelligence Technician (Army - Warrant Officer only)
  • Intelligence Specialist (Coast Guard - Enlisted)
  • Intelligence Specialist (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Intelligence Specialist (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Joint Fire Support Specialist (Army - Enlisted)
  • Maritime Space Planner (Navy - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Navigation and Plotting Specialist (Navy - Enlisted)
  • PATRIOT Fire Control Enhanced Operator/Maintainer (Army - Enlisted)
  • Sensor Operator (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Sensor Operator Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Sensor Operator Apprentice, AC-130J (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Sensor Operator Apprentice, AC-130U (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Sensor Operator Apprentice, AC-130W (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Sensor Operator Apprentice, CAA (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Sensor Operator Apprentice, MQ-1 (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Sensor Operator Apprentice, MQ-9 (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Sensor Operator Apprentice, RQ-4 (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Sensor Operator Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Sensor Operator Craftsman, AC-130J (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Sensor Operator Craftsman, AC-130U (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Sensor Operator Craftsman, AC-130W (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Sensor Operator Craftsman, CAA (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Sensor Operator Craftsman, MC-12 (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Sensor Operator Craftsman, MQ-1 (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Sensor Operator Craftsman, MQ-9 (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Sensor Operator Craftsman, RQ-4 (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Sensor Operator Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Sensor Operator Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Sensor Operator Journeyman, AC-130J (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Sensor Operator Journeyman, AC-130U (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Sensor Operator Journeyman, AC-130W (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Sensor Operator Journeyman, CAA (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Sensor Operator Journeyman, MC-12 (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Sensor Operator Journeyman, MQ-1 (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Sensor Operator Journeyman, MQ-9 (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Sensor Operator Journeyman, RQ-4 (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Sensor Operator Superintendent (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Sensor Operator Superintendent, AC-130J (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Sensor Operator Superintendent, AC-130U (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Sensor Operator Superintendent, AC-130W (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Sensor Operator Superintendent, MC-12 (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Sensor Operator Superintendent, MQ-1 (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Sensor Operator Superintendent, MQ-9 (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Sensor Operator Superintendent, RQ-4 (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Sensor OperatorApprentice, MC-12 (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Space Operations (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations Officer (Marine Corps - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations, ABM (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations, Airlift (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations, Bomber (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations, C2ISREW (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations, Fighter (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations, General (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations, Helicopter or EWO (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations, Orbital Warfare (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations, RPA (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations, Space Access and Sustainment (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations, Space Battle Management (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations, Space Electronic Warfare (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations, Special Operations (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations, Tanker (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations, Trainer (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Projects Technologist (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Space Systems Operations (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Space Systems Operations Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Space Systems Operations Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Space Systems Operations Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Space Systems Operations Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Space Systems Operations Manager (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Space Systems Operations Superintendent (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Special Forces Engineer Sergeant (Army - Enlisted)
  • Special Reconnaissance (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Special Reconnaissance Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Special Reconnaissance Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Special Reconnaissance Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Special Reconnaissance Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Special Reconnaissance Superintendent (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Strike Warfare Intelligence Analyst (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Target Mensuration Analyst (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Targeting Analyst (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Targeting Analyst (Space Force - Enlisted)
  • Targeting Analyst Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Targeting Analyst Apprentice (Space Force - Enlisted)
  • Targeting Analyst Craftsman (Space Force - Enlisted)
  • Targeting Analyst Craftsman, Targeteer (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Targeting Analyst Craftsman, Targeteer (Space Force - Enlisted)
  • Targeting Analyst Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Targeting Analyst Helper (Space Force - Enlisted)
  • Targeting Analyst Journeyman (Space Force - Enlisted)
  • Targeting Analyst Journeyman, Targeteer (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Targeting Analyst Journeyman, Targeteer (Space Force - Enlisted)
  • Targeting Analyst Superintendent (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Targeting Analyst Superintendent (Space Force - Enlisted)
  • Technical Engineer (Army - Enlisted)
  • Terrain Analysis Technician (Army - Warrant Officer only)
  • U.S. Navy (USN) Targeting Specialist (Navy - Enlisted)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

  • Drafter, Cartographic
  • Geospatial Specialist

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Drafter, Cartographic
  • Field-Map Editor
  • Photogrammetrist
  • Supervisor, Cartography