Mapping Technicians :: Job Description

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Mapping Technicians

Careers / Mapping Technicians

Summary Description


	Calculate mapmaking information from field notes, and draw and verify accuracy of topographical maps.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Aerial Photograph Interpreter

2.	Aerotriangulation Specialist

3.	Assessment Technician

4.	CAD Technician (Computer Aided Design Technician)

5.	Cartographic Aide

6.	Cartographic Drafter

7.	Cartographic Technician

8.	Cartography/Mapping Technician

9.	Drafting Technician

10.	Draftsman

11.	Field Map Technician

12.	Geodetic Computator

13.	Geospatial Analyst

14.	Map Compiler

15.	Map Drafter

16.	Map Editor

17.	Mapping Editor

18.	Mapping Specialist

19.	Mapping Supervisor

20.	Mapping Technician

21.	Mosaicist

22.	Photogrammetric Compilation Specialist

23.	Photogrammetric Stereo Compiler

24.	Photogrammetric Technician

25.	Plane Tableman

26.	Stereo Compiler

27.	Stereo Map Plotter Operator

28.	Stereo Plotter Operator

29.	Stereoplotter Operator

30.	Survey and Mapping Technician

31.	Tax Map Technician

32.	Technical Illustrations Map Inker

33.	Topographic Computator

34.	Topographical Drafter

Job Tasks

	Check all layers of maps to ensure accuracy, identifying and marking errors and making corrections. Evaluate designs or specifications to ensure quality.

	Design or develop information databases that include geographic or topographic data. Develop software or computer applications.

	Monitor mapping work or the updating of maps to ensure accuracy, the inclusion of new or changed information, or compliance with rules and regulations. Monitor processes for compliance with standards.

	Produce or update overlay maps to show information boundaries, water locations, or topographic features on various base maps or at different scales. Create maps.

	Determine scales, line sizes, or colors to be used for hard copies of computerized maps, using plotters. Create maps.

	Identify and compile database information to create maps in response to requests. Gather physical survey data.

	Analyze aerial photographs to detect and interpret significant military, industrial, resource, or topographical data. Gather physical survey data.

	Enter Global Positioning System (GPS) data, legal deeds, field notes, or land survey reports into geographic information system (GIS) workstations so that information can be transformed into graphic land descriptions, such as maps or drawings. Create graphical representations of structures or landscapes.

	Answer questions and provide information to the public or to staff members regarding assessment maps, surveys, boundaries, easements, property ownership, roads, zoning, or similar matters. Explain project details to the general public.

	Research and combine existing property information to describe property boundaries in relation to adjacent properties, taking into account parcel splits, combinations, or land boundary adjustments. Gather physical survey data.

	Compare topographical features or contour lines with images from aerial photographs, old maps, or other reference materials to verify the accuracy of their identification. Calculate geographic positions from survey data.

	Calculate latitudes, longitudes, angles, areas, or other information for mapmaking, using survey field notes or reference tables. Calculate geographic positions from survey data.

	Compute and measure scaled distances between reference points to establish relative positions of adjoining prints and enable the creation of photographic mosaics. Calculate geographic positions from survey data.

	Train staff members in duties such as tax mapping, the use of computerized mapping equipment, or the interpretation of source documents. Train personnel on proper operational procedures.

	Trace contours or topographic details to generate maps that denote specific land or property locations or geographic attributes. Create maps.

	Redraw or correct maps, such as revising parcel maps, to reflect tax code area changes, using information from official records or surveys. Create maps.

	Research resources such as survey maps or legal descriptions to verify property lines or to obtain information needed for mapping. Gather physical survey data.

	Produce presentations of surface or mineral ownership layers by interpreting legal survey plans. Explain engineering drawings, specifications, or other technical information.

	Identify, research, and resolve anomalies in legal land descriptions, referring issues to title or survey experts as appropriate.

	Create survey description pages or historical records related to the mapping activities or specifications of section plats. Document technical design details.

	Lay out and match aerial photographs in sequences in which they were taken and identify any areas missing from photographs. Gather physical survey data.

	Trim, align, and join prints to form photographic mosaics, maintaining scaled distances between reference points.

	Complete detailed source and method notes describing the location of routine or complex land parcels. Document technical design details.

	Supervise or coordinate activities of workers engaged in plotting data, drafting maps, or producing blueprints, photostats, or photographs. Supervise engineering or other technical personnel.

	Form three-dimensional images of aerial photographs taken from different locations, using mathematical techniques and plotting instruments. Create maps.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Surveying and Mapping Technicians
	Surveying and mapping technicians collect data and make maps of the Earth's surface. Surveying technicians visit sites to take measurements of the land. Mapping technicians use geographic data to create maps. They both assist surveyors, cartographers, and photogrammetrists.

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Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Surveying and Mapping Technicians
	Surveying technicians work outside extensively and can be exposed to all types of weather. Mapping technicians work primarily indoors on computers. Most surveying and mapping technicians work for firms that provide engineering, surveying, and mapping services on a contract basis. Local governments also employ these workers in highway and planning departments.

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Interesting Fact

Charles Goodyear, the man who developed vulcanized rubber, began his experiments while he was in prison.

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