Definition of Occupation

Collect, analyze, and interpret geographic information provided by geodetic surveys, aerial photographs, and satellite data. Research, study, and prepare maps for 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. Cartographers measure, map, and chart the earth's surface, in either digital or graphic form. They collect, analyze, and interpret both spatial data-such as latitude, longitude, elevation, and distance, and nonspatial data such as population density, land-use patterns, annual precipitation levels, and demographic characteristics. Photogrammetrists prepare detailed maps and drawings from aerial photographs, usually of areas that are inaccessible, difficult, or less cost efficient to survey by other methods.