Occupation
Mapping Technician

Industry
Energy

Median Wages (2008)
$16.88 hourly
$35,120 annual

Do you have a mind for figuring things out? Are you precise and methodical? Or, do you simply enjoy looking at maps? If any of these statements ring true, then being a Mapping Technician might be for you.

Employment Trends
Between 2006 and 2016, approximately 29,000 new jobs will be created in this field - a projected 14 to 20 percent rate of job growth.

Typical Work Activities

• Review map layers to ensure they are accurate and error free.
• Determine design (scales, line sizes, colors) used for hard copies of maps.
• Monitor and update maps to ensure they are accurate.
• Identify and create database information to generate new maps.

Work Styles

• Attention to detail Precise, detailed-oriented, and neat.
• Physically active Ability to stand outside for extended periods of time and endure strenuous walks around survey sites.
• Dependability Ability to arrive on time and perform quality work.

Examples of Work Locations

• Construction site
• Office
• Outdoors

Stepping Stone Positions

• There are two state apprenticeships associated with this job: Geodetic Computator and Photogrammetric Technician.
• Information on apprenticeships can be found on the US Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship site. For general apprenticeship information, visit the US Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship site.

Further Resources
American Congress on Surveying and Mapping
American Society for Geodetic Surveying