High School
To prepare for a career in cartography, high school students should study mathematics, geography, mechanical drawing, and computer science. Be sure to take classes in Geographic Information System technology or remote sensing, if offered at your school. English classes will help hone research and communication skills that students will need to pursue this career. Foreign languages may be helpful in working on maps of other countries.
Postsecondary Training
Mapmaking companies and government agencies generally prefer that their cartographers hold at least a bachelor's degree, though some cartographers enter the field after working as surveying and mapping technicians. Frequently, cartographers have degrees in geography, civil engineering, forestry, computer science, or a branch of the physical sciences. In addition, some cartographers have master's degrees in fields such as geography, cartography, and civil engineering.
- Agricultural Scientists
- Arborists
- Astrogeologists
- Botanists
- Climate Scientists
- Ecologists
- Environmental Engineers
- Environmental Planners
- Environmental Restoration Planners
- Environmental Scientists
- Environmental Technicians
- Forensic Meteorologists
- Geodetic Surveyors
- Geographers
- Geographic Information Systems Specialists
- Geological Technicians
- Geologists
- Geophysicists
- Geospatial Analytics Specialists
- Geotechnical Engineers
- Geothermal Energy Industry Workers
- Geothermal Production Managers
- Geothermal Technicians
- Groundwater Professionals
- Horticultural Technicians
- Industrial Ecologists
- Meteorologists
- Naturalists
- Oceanographers
- Paleontologists
- Range Managers
- Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists
- Remote Sensing Technicians
- Rewilders
- Soil Conservationists and Technicians
- Soil Scientists
- Space Meteorologist
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians
- Surveyors