Cartographers

In addition to the experience acquired in obtaining a degree in cartography or a related field, cartographers require a skill set that includes these four critical-thinking skills: comparing and contrasting to determine whether each feature being mapped is thematically and positionally accurate; decision-making to determine if the map is reliable and what further information, if any, is needed to meet the customer's needs; training to focus closely on details when including features on a final map; and judgment in identifying and resolving issues in mapmaking with the tools available. In addition, cartographers must be able to see details within a few feet and possess finger dexterity in order to make precisely coordinated movements to hold, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

Professional cartographers and photogrammetrists should be comfortable with computers and with learning new analytical and scientific software programs. Specifically, they should be skilled in utilizing computer aided design (CAD) software, graphics and photo imaging software, informational retrieval or search software, and map creation software.

Personality traits that are advantageous in cartographers and photogrammetrists include a cooperative nature, integrity in moral and ethical matters, independence in getting things done, and persistence in spite of obstacles. Attention to detail is an obvious requirement for those working in the field of cartography. Patience and painstaking effort are further requirements. In addition, cartographers should be adept at visualizing objects and distances.