Description
Perform mapping and geospatial data duties under the direction of a cartographer, GIS analyst, surveyor, or engineer. Compile, process, and analyze source data—including survey notes, aerial and satellite imagery, and existing maps—to calculate map information and create accurate topographic, boundary, and thematic maps. Verify map accuracy and completeness and maintain standards, documentation, and data integrity.
- • Check map layers for accuracy, identify and mark errors, and make corrections.
- • Design and maintain databases containing geographic and topographic data.
- • Monitor map updates to ensure new information is included and standards are met.
- • Produce and update overlay maps showing boundaries, water features, and terrain at various scales.
- • Determine scales, symbology, and line weights for printed and digital maps.
- • Compile database information to create requested maps and exhibits.
- • Operate and manage GIS and land-information systems to store data, query, and produce plots and reports.
- • Validate survey-derived coordinates and computations before map integration.
- • Analyze aerial and satellite imagery to identify significant land, resource, or topographic features.
- • Research and combine deeds, plats, and assessment records to describe property boundaries and relationships.
- • Calculate coordinates, areas, bearings, or other map values from survey notes or reference tables.
- • Cross-check contours and features against aerial images, historic maps, and other references.
- • Digitize contours, hydrology, transportation, and other features from imagery or source maps.
- • Assist in developing procedures and standards for mapping workflows and quality control.
- • Georeference and mosaic imagery or scanned maps while maintaining scale and positional accuracy.
- • Respond to public or staff inquiries about maps, boundaries, easements, zoning, and related topics.
- • Prepare detailed source citations and method notes for mapped features and datasets.
- • Compile source maps, prior survey data, photographs, and records needed to start new mapping projects.
- • Enter GPS observations, legal descriptions, field notes, and survey reports into GIS to produce maps and drawings.
- • Apply map projections, datum transformations, and coordinate conversions as needed.
- • Prepare cost and time estimates for mapping tasks and deliverables.
- • Produce topographic or contour maps with site features, charts, drawings, and supporting notes.
- • Record mapping measurements, edits, and change history using notes, sketches, or digital logs.
- • Perform topology checks and other QA/QC to ensure data integrity and compliance with standards.
- • Manage symbology, labeling, and layout to meet cartographic and branding guidelines.
- • Convert and integrate geospatial data from CAD or other formats into GIS.
- • Publish or update map products for print, PDF, or web use under supervision.
- • Coordinate with surveyors, engineers, and GIS staff to resolve discrepancies and finalize map products.
- • Maintain metadata and version control for geospatial datasets.
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
