Pixabay, 2015

Cartography Overview: Qualifications Required:

Cartography is the art, science and technology of There are not any specific degrees in the UK for
map production. Like many industries in this day and cartography itself but many other undergraduate
age map production is now largely computer based). degrees are applicable, including:
Cartography is multi- disciplinary and involves
people with a wide variety of skill sets (British
Cartographic Society, 2019.)
Geography

To create Maps many different people, not just

Gegraphic
cartographers, are involved including; map editors, Information Earth Sciences
Technology
mapping technicians, IT specialists, topographical
surveyors and photogrammeters and GIS officers
(British Cartographic Society, 2019). Undergraduate
Geomatics &
Degrees
Geoinfromatics Land Surveying

Geographic
Your Job Role: Infroation Geology
Systems.

A key part of the job is proofing the maps for

accuracy and content. Another is liaising with
clients on their requirements. Manipulating data
and maintain databases is also a critical part of a To start in a more specialised field a postgraduate
cartographers job. (Prospects, 2019) Use GIS to qualification in the disciplines below are helpful.
model and analyse landscape features. Using
desktop publishing and specialist computer  Geomatics engineering
software to edit and formulate data. (National  GIS
careers service, 2019) Cartographers can also be  Photogrammetry
amongst the production and editorial processes  Remote Sensing
depending on the size of the company in which  Surveying (Prospects, 2019)
they work in (British Cartographic Society, 2019).

Key Employers In The Cartographic
Field:
(Geograph,
2014)
Ordnance Survey
Innovation is within the forefront of the
company, carrying 4 core values are that
employees must be: adventurous, incisive,
restless and true.
 Based mainly in London and
Southampton although have started
to expand internationally.
 Overall Employs 1,250 including
Graduate scheme available with roles in
business change research scientist, data
Salary
architect, & product
technical Working Hours:
manager,
technical consultant. (Ordnance Survey,
2019)
UK Hydrographic Office
The UK Hydrographic Office is a leading centre
for hydrography, providing marine geospatial
data to inform maritime decisions.
Staff are empowered to develop their skills
and contribute to the organisation’s goals
 Offices based in Taunton, Somerset
 Overall Employs around 950 people
Graduate schemes aren’t offered however
they do offer apprenticeships, work
placements and have run work experience in
the past. (UK Hydrographic Office, 2019)
Pixabay, 2015
Skills Required:
 An interest in geography and the environment is key.
 Patient, through good understanding on the
importance of accuracy and a keen eye for detail.
 Creative with interest in graphics and design
 Computer literate
 Teamwork to produce maps quickly and effectively
 Analytical ability and problem solving skills.
(Prospects, 2019) (British Cartographic Society,
2019)
Salary and Working Hours:
 Starting Salaries from £18,000 - £22,000
 Experience £20,000-£30,000.
 Senior £30,000- £47,000
Expect to be working the typical 9am-5pm but like
(Wikimedia most jobs you may be required to work outside these
commons, hours from time to time! (Prospects, 2019)
2016)
REFERENCES:
 National Careers Service, (2019). Cartographer | Explore careers. [online]
Available at: https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/cartographer
[Accessed 16 Jan. 2019].
 Ordnance Survey (2019). Graduate Development Programme. [online]
Available at: https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/about/careers/start-
career/graduate-scheme.html [Accessed 16 Jan. 2019].
 Prospects, (2019). Cartographer job profile | Prospects.ac.uk. [online]
Available at: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/cartographer
[Accessed 13 Jan. 2019].
 The British Cartographic Soceity (2019). Becoming a Cartographer - The British
Cartographic Society. [online] Available at:
http://www.cartography.org.uk/becoming-a-cartographer/ [Accessed 17 Jan.
2019].
 UK Hydrographic Office (2019). Working for UKHO. [online] Available at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-hydrographic-
office/about/recruitment [Accessed 16 Jan. 2019].