Career in Cartography in India: There is at least one point in everyone’s life where we happened to use a map. The map usually serves the purpose of preventing you from getting lost and taking you to your destination safely. A map costs less and it is not unusual to keep a map with you while travelling. But most of us might not have thought about how that piece of paper is made and whose hands are behind it.
Well, technically the technology behind this process is referred to as Cartography and those who practice Cartography are known as Cartographers. Having read so far, you are probably looking to have a career in Cartography. The following article will give you a brief idea about the career in Cartography in India and the different Cartography jobs available after doing Cartography courses.
What is Cartography?
Cartography is the study and practice of making maps and a Cartographer is the compiler of maps. With the evolution of technology, the latest-made maps are much more precise compared to old ones which were used to draw without any actual measurements.
The map is designed from data which may be in the form of spreadsheets, charts, diagrams or some old maps in case a modification is needed. Those who are well-creative and have a love for mathematics are best suited for this profession. Cartographers are generally known as the portrayer of earth
Subscribe Us to get Latest Updates from India's Top Universities.
Who is a Cartographer?
Cartographer studies existing maps, ground data, ground-based photographs, aerial and satellite images, surveys and text and after evaluating them carefully come up with a completely new one or updated one. There is some Cartography software like Map Stack, Natural Earth etc to make the work of a Cartographer much easier and hence professionals will have to maintain proficiency with these tools.
Mainly two types of Cartographers are there. One is evaluating data collected from existing maps or pictures taken with the aid of GPS or satellites. The other one is about designing or visually presenting a new map by collecting data.
Various Cartography Courses in India
To work as a Cartographer or to make a career in Cartography, one can earn a degree in following Cartography courses.
| Course Name | Course Duration |
|---|---|
| Post Graduate Diploma in Geographical Cartography | 2 years |
| Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Geography | 3 years |
| Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Geoinformatics | 2 years |
| Certificate Courses in Cartography | few months to one year |
Admission Procedure
The following is the admission procedure for a career in cartography:
- For undergraduate courses, candidates should have passed 10+2 with physics, chemistry and maths from recognized boards in India.
- Candidates must score a minimum of 60% aggregate marks
- Candidates can appear for entrance exams like JEE Mains, JEE Advanced, VITEEE etc.
Eligibility Criteria
The following are the eligibility criteria for a career in cartography:
| Particulars | Description |
|---|---|
| Qualification | 10+2 with physics, chemistry and maths from a recognized board in India |
| Qualifying Marks | Candidates must score a minimum of 60% aggregate marks |
Top College for Career in Cartography
Some of the best colleges in India for a Career in Cartography:
| College Name | Location |
|---|---|
| Indian Institute of Technology | Mumbai |
| Osmania University, College of Science | Hyderabad |
| Andhra University College of Engineering – Autonomous | Vishakapatnam |
| Punjab University | Chandigarh |
| Government College | Kerala |
| Darrang College | Tezpur |
| Bharathi Women’s College | Chennai |
Job Opportunities for a Cartographer
Being a Cartographer, it is possible to work under government organizations. Since Cartography involves research, one can work as a surveyor for gathering data necessary for the creation of the map. The military sector also offers multiple career opportunities for a Cartographer.
Other than these, one can work as a publisher under some publishing agency. Companies like Google, Mapbox, and Nokia employ lots of Cartographers every year. It is easier for those who have enough experience and skill set to find a job in Cartography easily.
Roles of a Cartographer
The following are the roles of a cartographer:
- Check the contents of a map for accuracy
- Design maps, graphics, illustrations and layout
- Collect the necessary information to form a map
- Analyze the collected information before proceeding to design the map
- Familiarize well with mapping tools
- Be creative and use colours and particular styles to deliver the information better
Skills of a Cartographer
The following are the skills of a cartographer:
- Problem-solving
- Decision-making
- Attention to detail
- Critical thinking
- Patience and stamina
- Organizational skills
- Adaptability
- Time management
Average Salary
The salary for a cartographer mainly depends upon the organisation one is working for. Below we have compiled some the average salary for a career in cartography. Let’s take a look.
| Particulars | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Starting Salary | INR 15-30K |
| Experienced Salary | INR 50K |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are some of the best career options for a Science student?
Check out our list of the top 7 highest paying science careers for inspiration to guide your science career journey.
1. Geoscientists
2. Atmospheric Scientists
3. Biochemists and biophysicists
4. Medical Scientists
5. Hydrologist
6. Materials Scientist
7. Chemist
8. Nuclear Technicians
Is cartography a good career in India?
There are several opportunities that geology students can choose from. The other options are to make it to organisations such as art galleries, curators, publishing houses, NGOs, archives, and libraries which can also be found in almost every city in India.
Is being a cartographer stressful?
Cartographers relatively enjoy a low-stress career, designing maps that contribute to the political, engineering, educational, cultural, environmental, and marketing industries.
What is the highest salary for a cartographer in India?
Digital Cartographer salary in India ranges between ₹ 1.2 Lakhs to ₹ 4.3 Lakhs with an average annual salary of ₹ 3.2 Lakhs.
What are the skills required for a cartographer?
The following are the skills required for a cartographer:
>Problem-solving
>Decision-making
>Attention to detail
>Critical thinking
>Patience and stamina
Read Also:
I was completed my graduation with economics right now I’m studying PG DIPLOMA IN GEOGRAPHICAL CARTOGRAPHY so after completion of my course what I do for further studies in cartography or jobs.. please explain me sir..
You can pursue these Postgraduate courses:
M.Tech. Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System (GIS)
These are sectors where you can do your a job: