Employment of cartographers and photogrammetrists is projected to grow 29 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. However, because it is a small occupation, the fast growth will result in only about 3,600 new jobs over the 10-year period.

Cartographers and photogrammetrists are likely to be in demand to ensure the reliability and accuracy of maps produced and updated. The increasing use of maps for government planning should fuel employment growth. In addition, the growing number of mobile and Web-based map products should result in new jobs for cartographers and photogrammetrists.

The management of forests, waterways, and other natural resources will require constant updating of maps. Cartographers and photogrammetrists will be needed to operate geographic information systems (GIS), which are increasingly being used to map and locate areas that are in need during natural disasters.

Photogrammetrists will be needed to manage the aerial, satellite, and light-imaging detection and ranging (LIDAR) images that are now common.

Cartographers will also be needed to visualize spatial information and design the final presentation of information for clients. Their design skills help data become more accessible to users.

Job Prospects

Cartographers and photogrammetrists are expected to have excellent job opportunities. There has been a large increase in the amount of GIS and mapping data available and cartographers and photogrammetrists will be needed to interpret, refine, and create mapping products using these data.