WHAT DOES A CARTOGRAPHER DO? (In the Entertainment industry.)

Cartographer / Photo Credit: Career Ninja

WHAT DOES A CARTOGRAPHER DO? (In the Entertainment industry.)

Bruce Bisbey…please follow me at: https://dumbdogproductionsllc.blogspot.com or https://www.facebook.com/DumbDogProductionsLLC/ thank you.

What Does A Cartographer Do?    

As a cartographer you'll be involved with the scientific, technological and artistic aspects of developing and producing maps. You'll present complex information as diagrams, charts and spreadsheets, as well as in the form of conventional maps.

Maps and detailed geographical information are needed for a range of purposes, from everyday use by individuals to large-scale industrial development. Geographical information systems (GIS) and digital-mapping techniques now dominate the role.

Types of cartographer

You can work within a variety of areas, including: 

• Conservation…
• Government…
• The military…
• Publishing…
• Surveying… 

The role varies widely from the development and design of geographical information to more strategic and technical work.

Responsibilities

As a cartographer, you'll need to: 

• Research and then decide on what should appear on a map…
• Design maps, graphics, illustrations and layouts…
• Communicate information through the use of color, symbols, style and other means
• Use computers to compile and produce graphs for specialist and general users…
• Research, select and evaluate map source data for use in the preparation or revision of maps and charts to various scales…
• Analyze and evaluate map able information…
• Liaise with clients about their requirements and with external contacts, such as surveyors and designers, regarding the supply of information…
• Collate data provided by remote sensing techniques…
• Operate a photogrammetric plotting instrument or a digital photogrammetric workstation (dpw), which views the photographs stereoscopically, or in a 3d format…
• Design, maintain and manipulate geographical information (gi) databases…
• Work with geographical information systems (gis) to see, model and analyze landscape features…
• Use desktop publishing packages to edit and formulate information…
• Capture, maintain and output digital geographic data…
• Generalize map data to allow for a reduction in scale (derived mapping)…
• Check the content and accuracy of maps, charts and printing proofs… 

At a senior level, you'll need to: 

• Take responsibility for a range (or all if in a small company) of products…
• Manage budgets, staff and production schedules…
• Cost out new business…
• Liaise with other departments and with clients…

Experienced cartographers working on a consultancy basis will negotiate a fee with their client based on their experience and reputation.

Working hours

You'll usually work typical office hours (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday). However, you may need to work longer hours when meeting publication or project completion deadlines.

What to expect

• Work is usually office based and you'll need to enjoy working in a team to meet project deadlines…
• With experience you may be able to move into consultancy work. A small number of experienced cartographers go on to set up and run their own companies…
• Being geographically mobile can be helpful, particularly when looking for your first job and when looking to progress your career…
• There are opportunities to use your cartography skills abroad… 

Qualifications

As there aren't any undergraduate degrees specifically in cartography, you'll typically need a degree in a spatial science. Relevant subjects include: 

• Earth sciences…
• Geographic information technologies…
• Geographical information systems (gis)…
• Geography and geology…
• Geomatics and geoinformatics…
• Land surveying… 

A degree in design, and computer science and software engineering can also be useful. Look for courses that include modules or courses in cartography.

A postgraduate qualification can be helpful if you want to enter a more specialised area of the industry and for career development later on. Postgraduate courses are available in areas such as:

• Geomatics’ engineering…Gis…
• Photogrammetry…
• Remote sensing…
• Surveying… 

It's also possible to get into cartography at trainee technician level straight from school or college. If you want to work in the public sector, you'll need GCSEs (or equivalent) in English language and mathematics’, although sometimes geography is preferred.

Skills

You will need to show: 

• An interest in geography and the environment…
• A keen eye for detail as much of the work involves careful research and the collection and manipulation of data…
• An eye for layout and design, good spatial awareness and color vision…
• It literacy…
• Analytical ability and problem-solving skills…
• Team working skills in order to produce maps quickly and effectively…
• A methodical and systematic approach to work…
• High standards of accuracy and attention to set procedures…
• The ability to interpret data, graphical representations and symbols…
• The ability to work independently…
• Knowledge of foreign languages can also be useful… 

Work experience

As there aren't any dedicated cartography degree courses, you'll usually need to get a job first and receive training once employed. Practical experience gained through work placements or a year-in-industry as part of your degree can be helpful. 

Professional development

Training usually takes place in-house and on the job. You'll focus on developing practical skills in areas such as: 

• Compiling maps…
• Map design and layout…
• Map production (using a range of software packages)…

In a larger company, you're likely to have the chance to rotate through different departments and may develop your skills in specialist areas such as GIS, photogrammetry and digital mapping. You might also receive external training in specific software packages.

If you're working for a smaller company, you may find there is less money available for training, although there may be more varied projects to work on helping you build up your skills.

Employers may also provide sponsorship for postgraduate study if you don't already have a Masters qualification. Check with prospective employers about opportunities for training and professional development.

It's useful to put together a portfolio of any design ideas or maps you've produced to show at interview.

Sources, References & Credits: Google, Wikipedia, Wikihow, WikiBooks, Pinterest, IMDB, Linked In, Indie Wire, Film Making Stuff, Hiive, Film Daily, New York Film Academy, The Balance, Careers Hub, The Numbers, Film Maker, TV Guide Magazine, Blurb, Media Match, Quora, Creative Skill Set, Chron, Investopedia, Variety, No Film School, How Stuff Works, WGA, BBC, Daily Variety, The Film Agency, Best Sample Resume, How Stuff Works, Career Trend, Producer's Code of Credits, Truity, Production Hub, Producers Guild of America, Film Connection, Variety, Wolf Crow, Get In Media, Production Beast, Sony Pictures, Warner Bros, UCAS, Frankenbite, Realty 101, Careers Hub, Sokanu, Raindance, Film Connection, My Job Search, Prospects,

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Cartographer / Photo Credit: Career Ninja