Cartographic technicians assist cartographers with the analysis of field survey and land management data, aerial photographs and other geographic information sources to prepare maps, plans, charts and diagrams.

ANZSCO ID: 232213

Alternative name: Cartographic Drafter, Mapping Technician,

Knowledge, skills and attributes

• graphic skills, with an interest in drawing and design

• aptitude for working with computers

• an ability to work neatly and methodically

• good teamwork skills

• good concentration

• able to work neatly and accurately

• normal colour vision

(Source: Good Universities Guide)

Duties and Tasks

Cartographic technicians may perform the following tasks:

• fit data into required mapping formats, using a variety of methods

• prepare, edit and revise plans, maps, charts and other drawings, manually or on computers

• prepare finished material for reproduction and publication

• use geographic data to create maps.

• select needed information from databases to create maps

• edit and process images that have been collected by survey technicians or surveyors

• analyse aerial photographs and take measurements from them

• use specialised mapping software to create maps

• produce maps showing boundaries, water locations, elevation, and other features of the terrain

• update maps to ensure accuracy.

Working conditions

As a mapping technician you would work a standard number of hours per week. Mapping technicians would work in an office environment, and spend most of their time working at a computer, using specialist software.

 

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a cartographic technician you usually have to complete a VOC qualification in surveying and spatial information services, spatial information services or surveying.

Cartographic technicians may specialise in topographic maps, which display natural features and relief of land; cadastral maps, which show boundaries of owned land and properties; or thematic maps relating to geographic features.

 

Employment Opportunities

Opportunities exist for graduates to work in both public and private sectors. Employers include mapping and geographic information agencies; mineral exploration, mining, planning and development companies; and city, town and shire councils. Cartographic technicians usually work as part of a team with other professionals and associates.

Some cartographic technicians upgrade their qualifications by completing a degree to become cartographers. There is an increasing trend for cartographic technicians to be self-employed contractors.

 

 

 

 

Map editors identify and verify information shown on cartographic materials such as aerial photographs that are used to produce maps. They must travel over observed area in order to observe and record all cultural and drainage features that aren't evident in photographs.

ANZSCO ID: 232213

 

Knowledge, skills and attributes     

• A keen interest in geography and mapping

• Excellent computer and mathematical skills

• May require advanced skills in AutoCAD Map

• A high level of accuracy and attention to detail when working

• A natural eye for layout and design, good spatial awareness and colour vision

• A systematic approach to work, and attention to set procedures

• The ability to interpret data, graphical representations and symbols

• The ability to work independently

• Strong project management and organizational skills    

Digital Earth Australia Map
(Source: Digital Earth Australia)

 

Duties and Tasks

• Verify numbers, names and classes of roads

• Verify location and number of railroads

• Identify streams, rivers, lakes, parks and other manmade or natural geographical features

• Use geometry to determine elevation of trees, buildings and other natural and manmade features

• Obtain boundary and other relevant information from city, municipal or regional records

• Local and verify Regional lines and boundaries

• Mark observations on map overlay, using specific symbols

• May use instruments such as stereoscopes to combine the information from two separate aerial maps

Education and training/entrance requirements

The job duties of a map editor have a degree of complexity that requires formal education and training in the form of a diploma or an undergraduate degree, typically in a field such as Geography, Geology, Geographic Information Systems or Geomatics.

Courses in Cartography and the Cartographic Sciences, as well as courses in support areas such as Mathematics, Computers, Photography and Communication will be particularly helpful for a career as a Map Editor.

 

Employment Opportunities

Map editors are employed on a part-time, full-time or contractual basis by a variety of employers, including

• Commercial map publishers and GIS/geomatics firms

• Navigational software companies

• Engineering and architectural consulting companies

• Environmental consulting companies

• Federal, State/Territories and Municipal governments

• Forestry consulting firms

• Marketing, statistical, and census firms

• Oil, gas, mining and other natural resources companies

• Service firms to oil, gas, mining and natural resource companies

• Planning and economic development agencies

• Surveying companies

 

 

Hydrography is the science that measures and describes the physical features of bodies of water and the land areas adjacent to those bodies of water. Bathymetry is the foundation of the science of hydrography, which measures the physical features of a water body. Hydrography includes not only bathymetry, but also the shape and features of the shoreline; the characteristics of tides, currents, and waves; and the physical and chemical properties of the water itself.
  
Surveying with multibeam echo sounders is the primary method of obtaining hydrographic data. By mapping out water depth, the shape of the seafloor and coastline, the location of possible obstructions and physical features of water bodies, hydrography helps to keep our maritime transportation system moving safely and efficiently. Multibeam echo sounder beams sweep the seafloor as the ship passes over the survey area. Multibeam echo sounder beams bounce off the seafloor and return to the ship where the depth is recorded.

(Source: NOAA)

Hydrography is the science that measures and describes the physical features of the navigable portion of the Earth's surface and adjoining coastal areas. Hydrographic surveyors study these bodies of water to see what the "floor" looks like. By mapping out water depth, the shape of the seafloor and coastline, the location of possible obstructions, and physical features of water bodies, hydrography helps keep our maritime transportation system moving safely and efficiently. The data gained is used to update nautical charts and develop hydrographic models. This information is vital to navigating the ocean and our nation's waterways. Hydrographical surveys provide information for a number of purposes, including seafloor structural construction, laying pipelines and cables, dredging, anchoring and understanding fish habitats.
  
Hydrography is (nautical) the scientific measurement and description of the physical features and conditions of navigable waters and the shoreline. Hydrographic surveyors map the sea floor and other waterways. These surveyors work in coastal areas and overseas, collecting data about the underwater world – data that can be used in any number of applications. Some hydrographic surveyors work in gas, oil or mineral exploration. Other hydrographic surveying experts aid pipeline, bridge or port construction. There are those that put their skills towards shipping navigation, supporting military efforts or environmental research and conservation.

Every hydrographic surveyor is an important part of a larger team – which can include ecologists, civil engineers, planners and more. These co-workers rely on the hydrographic surveyor for accurate, reliable information about the goings-on under the water’s surface.
   
Hydrographers measure, analyse and maintain the flow and quality of water in rivers, lakes, stormwater and sewage, and survey and map oceans, seas and rivers. Hydrographers are responsible for surveying and charting coastal and inland waters. They monitor, measure, analyze and describe aspects of the water cycle, the ocean floor, currents, tide measurements and wave information. They also study natural resources that are found in the oceans, as well as the human use of water resources. The information they gather has multiple applications, including the safe, orderly and efficient conduct of marine vessels.

ANZSCO ID: 311415
  

Alternative names: Hydrographic Surveyor

   
Specialisations: Hydrographic Technical Officer

  
Knowledge, skills and attributes  

• an interest in the ocean: the ocean floor, currents, tides and waves

• have technical aptitude and are able to use specialized research equipment

• are interested in fieldwork and collecting data

• have an education in surveying, civil engineering, geography or a related field

• have competence in seamanship         

Role of Hydrography in the 21st Century
(Source: Hydro International)

Duties and Tasks

• Prepares technical documentation and drawings for hydrographic survey solutions.

• Performs routine mathematical calculations and computations of measurements for surveying and charting bodies of water.

• Checks, calibrates and maintains surveying, sonar, navigational and other hydrography equipment.

• Collects surveying data using computer systems, echo sounders, sonar, GPS and other navigation systems.

• Conducts fieldwork by collecting water bed samples and aquatic life for laboratory experiments, tests and analyses.

• Prepares maps, charts, sketches, diagrams and reports on the currents and compositions of water bodies.

• Perform both field work and data analysis

• Perform surveys of the ocean floor, currents, tide measurements and wave information in order to obtain hydrographic data

• Monitor water levels and flow, meteorology, sediments and water quality

• Search for underwater obstacles in oceans or lakes

• Analyze field data using geographic information systems (GIS) software

• Select, install, use, calibrate, maintain and repair specialized surveying instruments

• Use underwater acoustic equipment to establish and monitor tidal data and outline coastlines

• Archive and quality control collected data and information
  
  

Hydrography as a career
https://youtu.be/rFQ1IpkW81Y

 

Working conditions

Hydrographers spend about half their working time in the field conducting surveys, and the other half in offices working with the data they’ve collected. Hydrographers may work normal business hours when working in an office or classroom setting. In the field however, hours of work depend on the weather and the duration of the field season. Those conducting fieldwork may be away from home for months at a time.

Hydrographers that conduct field surveys are frequently exposed to hazardous conditions at sea, such as extremely cold temperatures and uncooperative water conditions. Hydrographers in the field must also spend extended periods of time at sea or in isolated areas.

  

Tools and technologies

The hydrographic surveyor’s toolset is made up of some impressive technologies, such as underwater laser scanners, tide gauges and a wide variety of sonar mapping techniques. Scans of the water’s surface and the sea floor can be captured from boats, on the air and from space.

The tech has developed to the point that high accuracy positioning systems can be used worldwide, at any time of day, during any weather conditions. While there are plenty of factors that can affect a hydrographic surveyor’s job – factors as seemingly insignificant as the temperature of the water – the latest techniques and methods allows surveyors to ferret out the results they need despite these obstacles.

Did You Know?  The term "bathymetry" originally referred to the ocean's depth relative to sea level, although it has come to mean “submarine topography,” or the depths and shapes of underwater terrain. In the same way that topographic maps represent the three-dimensional features (or relief) of overland terrain, bathymetric maps illustrate the land that lies underwater. Variations in sea-floor relief may be depicted by colour and contour lines called depth contours or isobaths. Bathymetry is the foundation of the science of hydrography, which measures the physical features of a water body. Hydrography includes not only bathymetry, but also the shape and features of the shoreline; the characteristics of tides, currents, and waves; and the physical and chemical properties of the water itself. (Source: NOAA) Geoscience Australia Bathymetry is the study and mapping of the sea floor. It involves obtaining measurements of the depth of the ocean and is the equivalent to mapping topography on land. Bathymetric data is used for a range of purposes including: charting and ship navigation fisheries management environmental management, including establishing baseline data to support environmental monitoring determination of maritime boundaries alternative energy assessments (i.e. to support offshore wind and wave energy assessments) research into coastal processes and ocean currents, for example tsunami modelling assessment of environmental considerations for marine geology resource management including the identification of geohazards, such as underwater landslides Bathymetry Data Generally very little is known about the sea floor. Existing maps of the sea floor are often low resolution, having been derived from satellites, and only provide a general indication of water depth. Bathymetric data is collected in multiple ways: Satellite data can be used to produce maps showing general features over a large area at low resolution. Satellite altimetry measures the height of the ocean surface. If there are hills/mountains on the sea floor, the gravitational pull around that area will be greater and hence the sea surface will bulge. This measurement can be used to show where the seafloor is higher, and this can be used to produce maps showing general features over a large area at low resolution. Single beam echosounders produce a single line of depth points directly under the equipment. These measurements are usually made while a vessel is moving to identify general sea floor patterns and/or schools of fish. Equipment that captures swathes of data by acquiring multiple depth points in each area, such as multibeam echosounders (or swath echosounders) and airborne laser measurements (LADS). These datasets are very high resolution, with data down to better than one metre accuracy. Figure 1: Before and after images of the sea floor showing  a) Image of the sea floor mapped using satellite data: b) image of the sea floor in the same location as figure 1a, however this image shows a strip of high resolution data (in colour) where multibeam data has been acquired. (Source: Geoscience Australia: Bathymetry)

Education and training/entrance requirements

You usually need a formal qualification in water industry operations, hydrography, geomatics or another related field to work as a Hydrographer. Vocational Education and Training (VET) and university are both common study pathways.

Hydrographers tend to have one (or more) of the following types of educational background:

• A diploma or certificate from a technological institute for hydrological surveyors

• An undergraduate degree in civil or survey engineering

• An undergraduate or graduate degree in areas such as hydrography, geomatics, environmental science or geography

The work of hydrographers is very specialized; it requires competence in both seamanship and the operations and theory of sophisticated instruments and equipment. Because of this, hydrographers need to be trained above and beyond their university education in order to gain the knowledge, skill set and competencies that are needed to do this job effectively.

Many hydrographers are trained on the job and others, such as those that work for their national government, may be trained via specialized programs.

 

Why is the Work of Hydrographers Important?

The knowledge gained as a result of the work carried out by hydrographers has many important applications, both for human use and for the protection of the environment. The data and information obtained by hydrographers can be applied for such purposes as:

• The production of charts and related information for navigation

• Planning and designing dams, bridges, irrigation projects, water supply schemes, sewerage systems, flood protection works

• Designing nautical warning services and marine facilities

• The effective management of the country’s water resources, both for human use as well as the environment

• Locating offshore resources (oil, gas, aggregates)

 

Employment Opportunities

Hydrographers are typically employed on a full-time or contractual basis by the following types of organizations:

• Charting agencies of the federal government (or contracted by the federal government)

• Water, port and harbour authorities

• Water and energy utilities

• Environmental consulting firms

• Contracting companies to the water, mining and forestry sciences

• Universities

• Specialized equipment and software companies
  

 

 

 

Related Jobs or Working with these Jobs

Architect	Civil Engineer	Coastal Engineer	Demographer
Environmental Scientist	Geographic Systems Officer	Lawyer	Librarian Map Librarian
Mining Engineer	Navy Officer	Oceanographer	Petroleum Engineer
Surveyor Surveyor's Assistant Surveying Technician/Draftsperson Licensed / Registered Surveyor	Urban & Regional Planner

 

 

Materials sourced from
Jobs & Skills WA [Cartographer; ]
Careers Online [Cartographic Technician; ]
Good Universities Guide [Cartographic Technician; ]
 Open University [Cartographers-Surveyors; ]
WebArchive Only CareerHQ [Surveying or Mapping Technician; Cartographer; ]
Academic Invest [Map Editor; Hydrographer; ]
Career Match [Map Editor; ]
NOAA [Hydrography; What is Bathymetry;]
Surveying [Hydrography;]
Your Career [Cartographer; Hydrographer;]