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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM GEOGRAPHY AND EARTH SCIENCES →

Cartographer

Cartographers make maps - both old-fashioned paper ones and digital maps that appear on phones and computers. They turn information about places into clear, useful pictures that help people find their way around.

Cartographer

15

Geography and Earth Sciences

AI IMPACT
AI EXPOSURE TODAY15
20-YEAR SCENARIO
NOT A FORECAST55%
THE DOOR · ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAYB
STARTING PAY£22,000 - £27,000
REGULATORY MOATThe law requires human oversight. That human could be you.

THE DOOR: ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAY, graded A (easy) to E (extremely hard). A Careermash rule-of-thumb index built from our AI exposure index and the job's moat class. It is not a forecast and not a count of job openings.

AI EXPOSURE TODAY is a Careermash index from 0 to 100 of how exposed this job's everyday tasks are to AI today. We estimate it by matching published research on how people use AI to this job, usually by keyword or subject area, and we lower it where the work is protected (for example by physical, personal or legal requirements). It is not a direct measurement of how much people in this job use AI.

This job holds up well against AI
AI exposure today is low on our index (15), and the law requires human oversight. That human could be you. That is about as safe as careers get right now, though it is still worth learning to use the tools well.

The role

As a cartographer, you create maps that help people understand the world around them. You use special computer software to take information about geography - rivers, towns, roads, forests - and turn it into clear maps that people can actually use. Your maps might show hiking routes, help councils plan new buildings, or show scientists where forests are disappearing.

Your work is a mix of being outdoors and being at a desk. You might go to a location to check that your maps are accurate, then spend time at the computer drawing and updating them. You talk with the people who will use the maps - like town planners or nature conservationists - to understand what they need to see. You have to stay up to date with changes in the landscape, and explain what your maps show in a way that makes sense to people who aren't experts in geography.

Daily responsibilities

  • Collect and analyze geographic data from various sources, including satellite imagery and field surveys.
  • Utilize Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software to create detailed maps and visual representations.
  • Collaborate with urban planners, environmental scientists, and other stakeholders to ensure accurate data representation.
  • Update existing maps to reflect changes in land use, infrastructure, and natural features.
  • Prepare visual presentations and reports to communicate geographic information effectively.
  • Conduct fieldwork to gather firsthand data and validate the accuracy of maps and geographic information.
  • Stay current with technological advancements in cartography and GIS to enhance mapping techniques.

Does a degree help here?

A UK degree in Geography, Cartography, or a related field provides candidates with a robust understanding of spatial analysis and mapping techniques. UK universities are renowned for their cutting-edge research and practical training in GIS technologies, giving graduates a competitive edge in the job market.