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Mapping Technicians - 17-3031.02

O*NET-SOC Description

Calculate mapmaking information from field notes, and draw and verify accuracy of topographical maps.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Mapping Technician
  • Stereoplotter Operator
  • Photogrammetric Compilation Specialist
  • Photogrammetric Technician
  • Computer Aided Design Technician (CAD Technician)
  • Draftsman
  • Hydrographic Surveyor
  • Photogrammetric Stereo Compiler
  • Aerotriangulation Specialist
  • Agricultural Global Positioning System Mapper (Agricultural GPS Mapper)

SOC Occupation Groups

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Analyze aerial photographs to detect and interpret significant military, industrial, resource, or topographical data.
  • Answer questions and provide information to the public or to staff members regarding assessment maps, surveys, boundaries, easements, property ownership, roads, zoning, or similar matters.
  • Calculate latitudes, longitudes, angles, areas, or other information for mapmaking, using survey field notes or reference tables.
  • Check all layers of maps to ensure accuracy, identifying and marking errors and making corrections.
  • Compare topographical features or contour lines with images from aerial photographs, old maps, or other reference materials to verify the accuracy of their identification.
  • Complete detailed source and method notes detailing the location of routine and complex land parcels.
  • Compute and measure scaled distances between reference points to establish relative positions of adjoining prints and enable the creation of photographic mosaics.
  • Create survey description pages or historical records related to the mapping activities or specifications of section plats.
  • Determine scales, line sizes, or colors to be used for hard copies of computerized maps, using plotters.
  • Enter Global Positioning System (GPS) data, legal deeds, field notes, or land survey reports into geographic information system (GIS) workstations so that information can be transformed into graphic land descriptions, such as maps or drawings.
  • Form three-dimensional images of aerial photographs taken from different locations, using mathematical techniques and plotting instruments.
  • Identify and compile database information to create maps in response to requests.
  • Identify, research, and resolve anomalies in legal land descriptions, referring issues to title or survey experts as appropriate.
  • Lay out and match aerial photographs in sequences in which they were taken and identify any areas missing from photographs.
  • Monitor mapping work or the updating of maps to ensure accuracy, the inclusion of new or changed information, or compliance with rules and regulations.
  • Produce or update overlay maps to show information boundaries, water locations, or topographic features on various base maps or at different scales.
  • Produce presentations of surface or mineral ownership layers by interpreting legal survey plans.
  • Redraw or correct maps, such as revising parcel maps, to reflect tax code area changes, using information from official records or surveys.
  • Research and combine existing property information to describe property boundaries in relation to adjacent properties, taking into account parcel splits, combinations, or land boundary adjustments.
  • Research resources such as survey maps or legal descriptions to verify property lines or to obtain information needed for mapping.
  • Supervise or coordinate activities of workers engaged in plotting data, drafting maps, or producing blueprints, photostats, or photographs.
  • Trace contours or topographic details to generate maps that denote specific land or property locations or geographic attributes.
  • Train staff members in duties such as tax mapping, the use of computerized mapping equipment, or the interpretation of source documents.
  • Trim, align, and join prints to form photographic mosaics, maintaining scaled distances between reference points.

Detailed Work Activities

  • analyze spatial data
  • analyze technical data, designs, or preliminary specifications
  • communicate technical information
  • develop or maintain databases
  • direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
  • draw maps or charts
  • draw prototypes, plans, or maps to scale
  • interpret aerial photographs
  • read maps
  • read technical drawings
  • research property records
  • use computer aided drafting or design software for design, drafting, modeling, or other engineering tasks
  • use computer graphics design software
  • use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
  • use drafting or mechanical drawing techniques
  • use field notes in technical drawings
  • use geographical information system (GIS) software
  • use spreadsheet software

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Air and Missile Defense (AMD) Crewmember (Army - Enlisted)
  • Cannon Fire Direction Specialist (Army - Enlisted)
  • Cavalry Scout (Army - Enlisted)
  • Fire Support Specialist (Army - Enlisted)
  • Geographic Intelligence Specialist (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Geospatial Intelligence Imagery Analyst (Army - Enlisted)
  • Imagery Analysis Specialist (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Intelligence Specialist (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Intelligence Specialist Basic (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) Operations/Fire Direction Specialist (Army - Enlisted)
  • PATRIOT Fire Control Enhanced Operator/Maintainer (Army - Enlisted)
  • Special Forces Engineer Sergeant (Army - Enlisted)
  • Terrain Analyst (Army - Enlisted)
  • Topographic Analyst (Army - Enlisted)
  • Topographic Engineering Supervisor (Army - Enlisted)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

  • Geodetic Computator
  • Photogrammetric Technician

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Aerial-Photograph Interpreter
  • Editor, Map
  • Geodetic Computator
  • Mosaicist
  • Photogrammetric Technician
  • Stereo-Plotter Operator
  • Supervisor, Mapping