SOUTH AFRICA 路 SALARY IN RANDS

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

What the work involves, the skills employers want, and how to get started in South Africa.

  • Aerial Photogrammetrist
  • Cartographer
  • Cartographic Designer
  • Digital Cartographer
  • Mapper
  • Photogrammetric Technician
  • Photogrammetrist
  • Stereo Compiler
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What do Cartographers and Photogrammetrists do?

Cartographers and photogrammetrists are professionals who specialize in the creation and analysis of maps and geographic data. Cartographers focus on designing and producing maps that represent spatial information, often using various geographic information systems (GIS) and mapping software to convey data effectively. They consider factors such as scale, symbols, and color, ensuring that maps are not only accurate but also visually appealing and informative for the intended audience.

Photogrammetrists, on the other hand, work with aerial photographs and satellite imagery to measure and interpret the physical features of the Earth's surface. They apply mathematical principles and techniques to extract accurate spatial information from images, which is then used for various applications, including land surveying, urban planning, environmental monitoring, and resource management. By combining technology with physical measurement, photogrammetrists play a crucial role in producing high-quality geographic data that supports decision-making in multiple fields.

Both careers require a strong understanding of geography, spatial analysis, and advanced technology, as well as an ability to communicate complex information clearly through maps and visuals. With the increasing demand for geographic data in fields like environmental science, transportation, and urban development, cartographers and photogrammetrists play a vital part in shaping our understanding of the world around us.

What the work actually is

  • Compile data required for map preparation, including aerial photographs, survey notes, records, reports, and original maps.
  • Delineate aerial photographic detail, such as control points, hydrography, topography, and cultural features, using precision stereoplotting apparatus or drafting instruments.
  • Prepare and alter trace maps, charts, tables, detailed drawings, and three-dimensional optical models of terrain using stereoscopic plotting and computer graphics equipment.
  • Study legal records to establish boundaries of local, national, and international properties.
  • Inspect final compositions to ensure completeness and accuracy.

Skills employers expect

Skills

  • Reading Comprehension Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  • Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
  • Writing Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Active Listening Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Active Learning Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Abilities

  • Written Comprehension The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  • Near Vision The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Oral Comprehension The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Inductive Reasoning The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
  • Deductive Reasoning The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Knowledge

  • Geography Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
  • Computers and Electronics Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
  • English Language Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Design Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
  • Mathematics Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

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How people get into it

Education of new hires

Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
Bachelor's degree
Some college, no degree

A normal week

  • Getting Information
  • Working with Computers
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Tools used on the job

Technology

  • Graphics or photo imaging software Adobe Creative Cloud software 路 Adobe Illustrator 路 Adobe Photoshop 路 Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite
  • Presentation software Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Map creation software Geomechanical design analysis GDA software 路 Mapping software 路 Mapthematics GeoCart 路 Precision analytical aerotriangulation pugging software
  • Geographic information system ESRI ArcGIS software 路 ESRI software 路 Geographic information system GIS software 路 Geographic information system GIS systems
  • Analytical or scientific software Boeing SoftPlotter 路 Image analysis software 路 RSI ENVI 路 Terrasolid TerraScan

Tools

  • Scanners Digitizers 路 Photogrammetric scanners
  • Digital cameras Color digital camera systems 路 Large-format aerial digital cameras 路 Panoramic digital line cameras
  • Plotter printers Analytical stereoplotters 路 Color inkjet plotters 路 Large-format plotters
  • Global positioning system GPS receiver Geodetic ground global positioning system GPS receivers 路 Global positioning system GPS receivers 路 Mapping grade global positioning system GPS receivers
  • Radarbased surveillance systems Laser imaging detection and ranging LIDAR systems 路 Remote sensing equipment

Who it suits

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

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Questions people ask

How much do Cartographers and Photogrammetrists earn in South Africa?

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists salaries in South Africa vary by experience, province and employer.

What do Cartographers and Photogrammetrists do?

Compile data required for map preparation, including aerial photographs, survey notes, records, reports, and original maps, Delineate aerial photographic detail, such as control points, hydrography, topography, and cultural features, using precision stereoplotting apparatus or drafting instruments and Prepare and alter trace maps, charts, tables, detailed drawings, and three-dimensional optical models of terrain using stereoscopic plotting and computer graphics equipment.

How do I know if this career fits me?

Take the free Assessify career assessment. It matches your answers to careers and shows the South African salary next to each one.