All About Mapping Technicians
Job Description: Calculate mapmaking information from field notes, and draw and verify accuracy of topographical maps.
Life As a Mapping Technician
- Calculate latitudes, longitudes, angles, areas, or other information for mapmaking, using survey field notes or reference tables.
- Produce or update overlay maps to show information boundaries, water locations, or topographic features on various base maps or at different scales.
- Trim, align, and join prints to form photographic mosaics, maintaining scaled distances between reference points.
- Lay out and match aerial photographs in sequences in which they were taken and identify any areas missing from photographs.
- Compute and measure scaled distances between reference points to establish relative positions of adjoining prints and enable the creation of photographic mosaics.
- Train staff members in duties such as tax mapping, the use of computerized mapping equipment, or the interpretation of source documents.
What Every Mapping Technician Should Know
Below is a list of the skills most Mapping Technicians say are important on the job.
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.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Related Job Titles
- Geospatial Analyst
- Photogrammetric Compilation Specialist
- Stereo Map Plotter Operator
- Photogrammetric Stereo Compiler
- Geodetic Computator
Is There Going to be 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.
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.
Mapping Technician Salary
The average yearly salary of a Mapping Technician ranges between $27,360 and $74,110.
Mapping Technicians who work in California, Alaska, or Massachusetts, make the highest salaries.
How much do Mapping Technicians make in different U.S. states?
| 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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Mapping Technicians
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Mapping Technicians:
- 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 kind of Mapping Technician requirements are there?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Mapping Technicians Sector
Mapping Technicians work in the following industries:
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Those who work as a Mapping Technician sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
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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