Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

The Work

Cartographers design and prepare maps, plans, charts, models and globes that represent the surface of the Earth or other planets. They collect and use data from a range of sources such as:

• Aerial photographs  
• Images produced by electrostatic mapping and seismic sensing  
• Existing maps and statistics  

Generally map making comprises the following skills:

• Photogrammetry - The interpretation of aerial photographs  
• Field Survey - Investigation on the Ground or by Flight Crews  
• Graphics - Creation of maps  
• Spatial Data Management - Maintenance of Mapping Database and production of Large Scale Products  
• Geodesy - the science of where we are in the world   
• Cartography Design - Production of Maps mainly for the Tourist and Leisure Market or Special Requests  
• Geographic Information Systems - GPS and Geographic products like OSI/An Post's Address Database  

Cartographers analyse and interpret information from a range of sources and prepare reports. The cartographer evaluates this data and specifies lines, tones and symbols for a cartographic draughtsperson to use to produce maps and charts.  
 
As well as preparing new maps, cartographers change existing maps. Cartographers deal with a range of mapping projects. They may prepare maps showing population distribution, the layout of ancient cities or even the Moon's surface and they may specialise in areas such as topographical maps. The type of map depends on the employer's or customer's requirements. The mapping database at Ordnance Survey Ireland is entirely electronic and Field Revisers use digital tablets to record changes in the topographic structure.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• 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.
• Revise existing maps and charts, making all necessary corrections and adjustments.
• Identify, scale, and orient geodetic points, elevations, and other planimetric or topographic features, applying standard mathematical formulas.
• Collect information about specific features of the Earth, using aerial photography and other digital remote sensing techniques.
• Examine and analyse data from ground surveys, reports, aerial photographs, and satellite images to prepare topographic maps, aerial-photograph mosaics, and related charts.
• Build and update digital databases.

Further Information

• Cartographer - from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Cartographer - from: GradIreland

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

There are many pathways to develop towards this career. A degree in Geography, Geomatics, Earth Sciences, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Marine Science. Courses in surveying and measurement or drafting are also useful. 

Training & Development 

FET Centre Traineeship: Architectural Technology and Computer-Aided Design, Computer-Aided Design, Supervisory Management Leadership, CNC (Computer Numeric Control) Operator, Software Developer Search FET Courses

FET Centre PLC Courses AutoCAD 2D - Introduction, Graphic Design & Illustration, Graphic Design Search FET PLC courses

Apprenticeship ICT Software Development, Software Solutions Architect at NFQ level 6-8 Search apprenticeship

Higher Education CAO entry Geography, Geomatics, Earth Sciences, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Marine Science, Surveying and measurement, Graphic & Digital Design, Geographic Science, draughting courses at NFQ level Search CAO courses

Professional Development 

Postgraduate Study options: Geographic Information Science Geographical Information Systems, Spatial Demography, Geocomputation - National Centre for Geocomputation - Research, Environmental Management with Geographic Information Systems, Digital Land Surveying & GPS, Pratical Land Surveying, Geospatial Data Analysis, Revit & 4D BIM at Minor / Major NFQ levels 9-10

Ordnance Survey Ireland 

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €29k - €79k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Salaryexpert/ Eirieri/ Payscale

Last Updated: July, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The annual average employment growth was above average for this occupation, although employment levels declined marginally between 2021 and 2022. New employment permits issued in 2022 related to quantity surveyors and issues with recruitment of quantity surveyors were also evident in both the Skills for Growth and Recruitment Agency Survey data.

The supply of quantity surveyors has increased since 2016, with 336 awards in 2021 in higher education. The demand for these skills is expected to be sustained in the coming years, although the tasks may be incorporated into other occupations e.g. structural engineer. With supply increasing, issues with recruitment may lessen in future years. Demand for architects and town planners is likely to continue, although the data does not currently point to issues in relation to sourcing suitably qualified personnel for these roles. 

Specific numbers too small to report Nat Skills bulletin 2021.

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• Ordnance Survey Ireland

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