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Mapping Technician

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What Do Mapping Technician Do?

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

Daily Life Of a Mapping Technician

  • Compute and measure scaled distances between reference points to establish relative positions of adjoining prints and enable the creation of photographic mosaics.
  • Lay out and match aerial photographs in sequences in which they were taken and identify any areas missing from photographs.
  • Analyze aerial photographs to detect and interpret significant military, industrial, resource, or topographical data.
  • Form three-dimensional images of aerial photographs taken from different locations, using mathematical techniques and plotting instruments.
  • Design or develop information databases that include geographic or topographic data.
  • Produce presentations of surface or mineral ownership layers by interpreting legal survey plans.

Mapping Technician Skills

Mapping Technicians state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Types of Mapping Technician Jobs

  • Stereo Map Plotter Operator
  • Stereo Plotter Operator
  • Aerial Photograph Interpreter
  • Field Map Technician
  • Cartography/Mapping Technician

Job Demand for Mapping Technicians

There were about 60,200 jobs for Mapping Technician in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 10.6% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 6,400 new jobs for Mapping Technician by 2026. The BLS estimates 7,200 yearly job openings in this field.

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The states with the most job growth for Mapping Technician are North Dakota, Utah, and Texas. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Maine, or Washington. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Do Mapping Technicians Make A Lot Of Money?

Mapping Technicians make between $27,360 and $74,110 a year.

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Mapping Technicians who work in California, Alaska, or Massachusetts, make the highest salaries.

How much do Mapping Technicians make in each U.S. state?

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $42,850
Alaska $59,850
Arizona $53,730
Arkansas $43,000
California $69,910
Colorado $52,360
Connecticut $58,360
Delaware $42,010
Florida $40,900
Georgia $42,180
Hawaii $48,300
Idaho $45,090
Illinois $55,410
Indiana $41,030
Iowa $48,590
Kansas $43,350
Kentucky $38,960
Louisiana $44,540
Maine $43,640
Maryland $49,820
Massachusetts $59,320
Michigan $38,070
Minnesota $55,170
Mississippi $43,030
Missouri $42,560
Montana $49,120
Nebraska $45,530
Nevada $51,400
New Hampshire $48,300
New Jersey $49,800
New Mexico $47,440
New York $52,470
North Carolina $43,800
North Dakota $51,200
Ohio $44,280
Oklahoma $45,870
Oregon $54,570
Pennsylvania $47,600
Rhode Island $53,980
South Carolina $38,250
South Dakota $39,180
Tennessee $46,020
Texas $42,740
Utah $51,090
Vermont $51,840
Virginia $47,570
Washington $51,100
West Virginia $42,750
Wisconsin $43,500
Wyoming $47,870

What Tools & Technology do Mapping Technicians Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Mapping Technicians may use on a daily basis:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office
  • Hypertext markup language HTML
  • JavaScript
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Web browser software
  • Microsoft Access
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
  • Database software
  • Structured query language SQL
  • Microsoft Visual Basic
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
  • Geographic information system GIS software
  • Computer aided design CAD software
  • Graphics software
  • Bentley MicroStation
  • ESRI ArcView

How do I Become a Mapping Technician?

What education is needed to be a Mapping Technician?

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What work experience do I need to become a Mapping Technician?

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Where Mapping Technicians Are Employed

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The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

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Those interested in being a Mapping Technician may also be interested in:

Are you already one of the many Mapping Technician in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:

References:

Image Credit: Mike1979 Russia via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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