To work as a cartographer or photogrammetrist, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• have a bachelor's degree.

Education after high school

Most cartographers and photogrammetrists have a bachelor's degree. Some have a master's degree. Recommended majors are:

• Geography
• Civil Engineering
• Forestry
• Geology

Whatever major you choose you should take as many classes as you can in geography, geographic information systems, and cartography.

Work experience

You may be able to become a cartographic assistant without a college education. In a few cases, this could lead to cartographic work. You must have excellent technical skills for this route to succeed. This is because these workers use computers and geographic information systems.

High school students interested in this occupation should try a summer job with a construction company or other company that prepares maps. Federal government agencies may have part-time jobs for cartographic assistants.

On-the-job training

Most beginning cartographers and photogrammetrists receive some on-the-job training. The length of training varies by employer. In general, these workers receive between six and 12 months of training.

Employers may send new employees to software training. Rapid changes in hardware and software require you to spend time each year learning new techniques and software programs.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be surveying, mapping, and drafting technicians. Training lasts nine to 31 weeks, depending on your specialty. Further training occurs on the job.

A second option is to be trained as an intelligence officer. You need a bachelor's degree to enter this occupation. Training lasts 23 to 26 weeks.