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Mapping Technician

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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.

  • 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.

Forecasted Number of Jobs for Mapping Technicians in U.S.

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.

Salary Ranges for Mapping Technicians

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:

How do I Become a Mapping Technician?

What kind of Mapping Technician requirements are there?

Mapping Technician Degree Level

How many years of work experience do I need?

Mapping Technician Work Experience

Mapping Technicians Sector

Mapping Technician Sectors

Mapping Technicians work in the following industries:

Mapping Technician Industries

Other Jobs You May be Interested In

Those thinking about becoming a Mapping Technician might also be interested in the following careers:

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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