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Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

SOC 17-1021.00Job Zone 4 · Considerable Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers the full professional arc of cartographers and photogrammetrists working in government, engineering, and geospatial services environments — from entry-level data compilation and instrument operation through enterprise leadership of mapping programs, quality systems, and remote sensing strategy.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Aerial photographs and survey notes — compile and organize under direct supervision to support map preparation workflows in a production mapping environment.
  2. Stereoscopic plotting apparatus — operate at a basic level to identify control points and hydrographic features under the guidance of a senior cartographer.
  3. Map creation software and CAD tools — navigate standard interfaces to assist in drafting trace maps and basic terrain drawings on assigned projects.
  4. Legal records and boundary documents — review with supervisor direction to identify relevant property boundary references for local mapping tasks.
  5. Completed map compositions — inspect for obvious omissions or formatting errors using a provided checklist in a quality-control review process.
  6. Existing maps and charts — apply documented correction procedures to update designated features under close oversight from an experienced photogrammetrist.
  7. Standard mathematical formulas — apply to calculate geodetic point locations and elevation values under supervision on routine planimetric assignments.
  8. Digital remote sensing datasets — retrieve and organize aerial photography files using database query tools in support of active field collection projects.
  9. Geographic and cartographic terminology — demonstrate foundational comprehension when reading technical reports, project briefs, and specification documents.
  10. Time management and task tracking tools — use to log progress on assigned mapping deliverables and flag scheduling concerns to project leads promptly.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Aerial photographs, survey notes, and field records — compile and cross-reference independently to assemble complete source datasets for map production cycles.
  2. Precision stereoplotting apparatus and drafting instruments — use routinely to delineate hydrography, topography, and cultural features from aerial imagery on standard projects.
  3. Three-dimensional terrain models — prepare using stereoscopic plotting and computer graphics software, adapting parameters to meet project-specific scale and accuracy requirements.
  4. Legal boundary records and jurisdictional documents — study and interpret with moderate independence to establish local and national property boundaries for mapping deliverables.
  5. Final map compositions — inspect systematically for completeness and positional accuracy, resolving common discrepancies without supervisory escalation.
  6. Revised maps and charts — update by applying all necessary geometric and attribute corrections using CAD and map creation software in production environments.
  7. Geodetic control points and planimetric features — identify, scale, and orient by selecting and applying appropriate mathematical formulas across varied data inputs.
  8. Aerial photography and remote sensing imagery — collect, evaluate, and pre-process using analytical software to support data capture for regional mapping assignments.
  9. Complex problem scenarios in data conflation — apply critical thinking to reconcile conflicting source datasets and document resolution rationale for project records.
  10. Intra-team mapping workflows — coordinate with GIS technicians and field surveyors, communicating project status clearly to maintain schedule alignment on multi-phase deliverables.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Multi-source spatial datasets including aerial photographs, survey notes, and digital records — compile and integrate autonomously to produce authoritative map products across full project lifecycles.
  2. Advanced stereoplotting and photogrammetric workstations — apply across diverse terrain types and image scales to extract precise topographic and cultural detail for large-area mapping programs.
  3. Three-dimensional optical and digital terrain models — design and produce using stereoscopic and computer graphics platforms, adapting methodology for non-routine or complex surface conditions.
  4. International property boundary legal records — analyze independently, applying jurisdictional knowledge to resolve ambiguous or conflicting boundary definitions in multi-national mapping projects.
  5. Map and chart quality assurance processes — lead comprehensive accuracy and completeness reviews, diagnosing systematic errors and implementing corrective workflows across production pipelines.
  6. Existing map series and chart editions — revise at full scope, managing all correction layers and version controls to maintain currency and compliance with national cartographic standards.
  7. Geodetic point networks and topographic feature sets — identify, orient, and validate using advanced mathematical and analytical software, ensuring geodetic integrity across complex datums.
  8. Airborne and satellite remote sensing collections — design data acquisition parameters and process imagery through full analytical workflows to produce verified geospatial deliverables.
  9. Non-routine cartographic and photogrammetric challenges — apply inductive and deductive reasoning to develop innovative solutions and document methodologies for organizational knowledge bases.
  10. Judgment on geospatial data fitness and publication readiness — exercise independently, applying professional standards to release decisions for high-stakes mapping products used by government or engineering clients.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Organization-wide map data compilation standards and source integration frameworks — establish and enforce to ensure consistency, traceability, and accuracy across all production teams and programs.
  2. Photogrammetric technology strategy — define equipment selection criteria and stereoplotting platform standards, guiding adoption of precision instruments across enterprise-scale mapping operations.
  3. Cartographic production methodologies for terrain modeling and 3D visualization — develop and institutionalize, incorporating emerging digital tools to advance organizational capability and output quality.
  4. Legal and geodetic boundary policy interpretations — advise senior leadership, agency partners, and legal counsel on complex international and national boundary delineation issues with high geopolitical sensitivity.
  5. Enterprise quality assurance frameworks for map and chart accuracy — architect and oversee, setting tolerance thresholds and audit protocols that govern all final composition releases.
  6. National or organizational map revision cycles and update governance — direct, allocating resources and setting revision prioritization criteria to maintain authoritative geospatial data currency at scale.
  7. Advanced geodetic and mathematical modeling standards — champion adoption across the organization, mentoring senior staff in applying cutting-edge formulas and software to complex spatial measurement problems.
  8. Remote sensing acquisition programs and partnerships — lead, negotiating data-sharing agreements with aerial and satellite providers and aligning collection strategies with long-range organizational mapping objectives.
  9. Cross-functional geospatial teams and external stakeholders — lead through complex, high-stakes projects, resolving conflicts, communicating decisions with clarity, and driving collaborative outcomes at the program level.
  10. Emerging cartographic and photogrammetric talent — develop through structured mentorship, curriculum design, and performance coaching, building organizational depth and succession readiness across all skill levels.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.

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Sources:Pathsmith™ Durable SkillsPathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Aerial Photogrammetrist · Cadastral Mapper · Cartographer · Cartographic Designer · Cartographic Drafter · Cartography Technician · Data Mapper · Digital Cartographer · Field Map Editor · Geospatial Specialist · Imagery Analyst · LIDAR Technician (Light Detection and Ranging Technician)
RAPIDS apprenticeships
—
O*NET skills
Reading ComprehensionWritingCritical ThinkingActive ListeningActive LearningMonitoringComplex Problem SolvingSpeakingJudgment and Decision MakingSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationTime Management
Knowledge domains
GeographyComputers and ElectronicsEnglish LanguageDesignMathematics
Abilities
Written ComprehensionOral ComprehensionNear VisionInductive ReasoningDeductive ReasoningOral ExpressionWritten ExpressionFlexibility of ClosureVisualizationFar Vision
Work styles
Attention to DetailDependabilityIntellectual CuriosityCautiousnessIntegrityAchievement Orientation
Technology
Document management softwareGraphics or photo imaging softwareWeb page creation and editing softwareDesktop publishing softwareMap creation softwareData compression softwareComputer aided design CAD softwareData base user interface and query softwareAnalytical or scientific softwareDevelopment environment software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Compile data required for map preparation, including aerial photographs, survey notes, records, reports, and original maps.
  2. Delineate aerial photographic detail, such as control points, hydrography, topography, and cultural features, using precision stereoplotting apparatus or drafting instruments.
  3. Prepare and alter trace maps, charts, tables, detailed drawings, and three-dimensional optical models of terrain using stereoscopic plotting and computer graphics equipment.
  4. Study legal records to establish boundaries of local, national, and international properties.
  5. Inspect final compositions to ensure completeness and accuracy.
  6. Revise existing maps and charts, making all necessary corrections and adjustments.
  7. Identify, scale, and orient geodetic points, elevations, and other planimetric or topographic features, applying standard mathematical formulas.
  8. Collect information about specific features of the Earth, using aerial photography and other digital remote sensing techniques.
CIP education codes
14.380115.110229.020343.040745.0702

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me®, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.