Cartography is the art of studying and making maps. It is an interesting career because it is a true blend of art, science, and technology. Cartographers collect, analyze, and interpret both spatial (latitude, longitude, elevation, distance) and non-spatial data (population density, land-use patterns, annual precipitation levels, demographic characteristics). Maps are prepared either in graphic or digital form with information from satellites, light-imaging detection and ranging (LIDAR), aerial cameras, geodetic surveys and remote sensing systems.
Mapping business could grow by 30% annually, geoinformatics is a growing field and a special type of IT. It will solve all spatial problems – from those of villages to those of the highest level of policy-makers, of NGOs, industries, higher education. It is a field that employs advanced digital technology tools like QGIS, Inkscape, GIMP, Scribus, colorbrewer. These save time and gift you with beautiful, well-composed maps. Cutting-edge digital technology is used in Geographical Information Systems, web mapping technology, spatial database, photogrammetry, remote-sensing, GPS, geo-spatial intelligence.
Making professional-quality maps requires strong education in geography with a focus on cartography and remote sensing, mathematics through basic calculus and statistics, introductory computer science including programming and database management and basic graphic design.
Eligibility Criteria:
As for academic qualifications, you could get a B.Sc Geography, M.Sc Geography, M.Sc Applied Geography, M.Sc Spatial Information Technology, M.Sc Cartography, M.Sc Geographic Information System, M.Sc Remote Sensing, M.Sc Geoinformatics, M.Tech Geoinformatics, P.G.Diploma in GIS, Cartography, Surveying and mapping/topographic/earth sciences or urban and land studies before applying for jobs.
Skills Required:
- Excellent computer/mathematical/design skills
- Spatial awareness
- Ability to analyse information from different sources
- Logical approach
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail
- Hands-on experience is necessary
- Cartographers are at least partially self-taught
Courses:
- M.Tech in Geoinformatics
- M.Sc. Applied Geography
- M.Sc Geoinformatics
- M.Sc International Environmental Management
- M.Sc/Diploma in Geographical Information Science and Systems
Colleges Offering Cartography Courses:
- IIT, Mumbai
- Osmania University, Hyderabad
- Andhra University, Vizag
- Utkal University, Bhubaneshwar
- Annamalai university, Tamil Nadu
- Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi
- Anna University, Tamil Nadu
Job Opportunities:
- NIC, Census, PWD, Agriculture, Agriculture Engineering, Power companies, Electricity companies/Boards,Telecommunications
- Higher Education institutions, research institutes
- Space Research Organisations.
- National survey and mapping organisations
- NASA, US Geological survey, Land Management, Fish and wild life services, National parks, forest service.
- The United Nations
- Any public/private organisation that does surveys, geo-information production organisations.
- Information technology industry, Mineral exploration, hazard mapping and disaster management, Crime mapping, Transportation and infrastructure
- Newspapers, TV channels, Election Commission
- Traffic management
Salary:
Remuneration depends on qualifications and who you work for – a qualified person can expect a starting salary of around Rs. 10,000 – 15,000 per month. Overseas organizations pay around Rs.5 lakh to 10 lakh per year. With experience of two years, one can earn Rs.50,000 per month or more.
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