Cartographer (Cartograaf)
Information on this skill...
A cartographer is a scientist who specializes in cartography. Cartography is the science and technique to map geographical space-related information. One of the most important tasks of a cartographer is to provide insight into spatial information by making maps, as we all know and use them. Cartography is a communication science, in which the collection of geographical space-related information plays the leading role. Today, cartographers use computers and computer systems to process data, such as for digital maps. A cartographer usually uses the geographic information system (GIS), with which large amounts of analog topographical data can be converted into digital data. Another name for cartography is also called spatial information science. In short, we can best describe the substantive work of a cartographer as making spatial information accessible and manageable. The transfer of this information also plays an important role, because people depend on the data. As a cartographer you are responsible for creating various geographical space-bound maps. Think, for example, of road maps, water maps, zoning plan maps and maps on which all flora and fauna is included within a certain region. It is therefore not the case that a cartographer is only responsible for making road maps. In most cases, a cartographer uses satellite data to create digital maps. By means of satellite data, cartographers can create highly accurate maps, which are used by different agencies, governments and private individuals for different applications. Think, for example, of nature organizations, civil companies, shipping, civil servants and road users.
A map is a modeled representation of the earth's surface, which is usually a geographical representation that has been processed at scale into a usable map. In addition to maps, a cartographer can create other types of maps that do not concern a geographical representation, such as a thematic map. A thematic map is a map that indicates, for example, the number of people living within a certain region by means of dots on the map. The larger the dots are, the more people live within the region. A thematic map does not relate to topography, but to a certain theme, such as the number of people within a certain region. In addition, we know the so-called illustrated maps. An illustrated map is a map that contains certain symbols, such as small drawings, that indicate, for example, where and how many children live exactly. Illustrated maps are especially important from an educational point of view for children to understand how maps work exactly.
IMPORTANCE OF CARTOGRAPHY
Cartography is important for everyone, because we all use cartography. Cartography does not only relate to the well-known roadmaps as we all use, but also for business and governments. Consider, for example, the well-known cadastre maps that indicate exactly which buildings are on a plot, how large the plot is and who owns the plot. Within the Netherlands, all soil is measured and recorded by means of cartography, so that it is always clear how large a plot is and who exactly owns the plot. In addition, it is always possible to find out exactly which buildings should be on the plot. In order to be able to collect this data, the Kadaster uses, among other things, special surveyors.
CARTOGRAPHY IN EVERYDAY LIFE
As described earlier, we all use cartography. The best-known example of this for most people is the well-known navigation systems, which use road maps. These navigation systems cannot work without the correct cartography data. Mapmakers therefore pay a lot of attention to collecting and maintaining cartography data, so that mobile navigation systems can work in the right way. Mapmakers obtain this data by conducting field research and by studying aerial and satellite photographs. In addition, navigation systems are now so smart that they can also send information back if certain information turns out to be outdated. Conducting field research usually involves driving around with special camera trucks that collect the cartography data for the mapmakers.
WHAT DOES A CARTOGRAPHER DO:
TRAINING TO BECOME A CARTOGRAPHER
There are different types of training opportunities as a cartographer that can differ in level, such as the Hbo geodesy and the university study Geo-information Science and Earth Observation. These programmes not only cover cartography, but also climate change, nature development and environmental sciences. Accounting is also important as an entrepreneur.
COMPANIES WHERE A CARTOGRAPHER CAN WORK
As a cartographer you can work for various companies and governments. Think, for example, of municipalities, provinces, mapmakers, the Land Registry or publishers of atlases. In addition, you can work for water boards.
COMPETENCES CARTOGRAPHER
The most important competence as a cartographer is to be able to work accurately, so that the collected data can be made transparent in the right way. Within this profession, working with various computer programs is highly regarded and it is therefore important that you have technical insight. Because a cartographer nowadays also uses 3D drawings, it is important that you have visual and spatial ability. In addition, you must have research skills, because you will have to analyze and process various data, such as aerial photographs and satellite data. In addition, you will have to be highly skilled in communication, because you will usually work with different people, such as surveyors and different clients.
LABOUR MARKET PERSPECTIVE AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AS A CARTOGRAPHER
The labour market perspective of a cartographer is generally good if you have the right training. As a cartographer you can work for various types of companies and governments, so getting a job is usually not difficult. In addition, relatively few people are really specialized in cartography. The career opportunities as a cartographer must be seen in obtaining a managerial position within the organization. If you have a university degree, it is also possible to obtain a PhD as a scientist.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT AND SALARY CARTOGRAPHER
There are no examples of the employment conditions as a cartographer, because you can be active for different types of employers within different industries. A cartographer will usually earn a salary between 3500 and 4500 euros gross per month depending on age, education and further responsibilities. If you have a university degree, it is conceivable that the salary will be higher.
The content on this page has been automatically translated from the Dutch language. For this reason, texts and videos on this page may contain small errors.
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