How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- the armed forces
University
You can take a degree in a subject that includes data gathering and analysis, such as:
- geography
- geographical information systems (GIS)
- land surveying
- earth sciences
- oceanography
- meteorology
Employers may also accept degrees in other subjects like computer science, software engineering or graphic design.
A postgraduate qualification may help you to find work in a specialist field of cartography like GIS.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
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Apprenticeship
You could apply to an organisation to do an apprenticeship, such as:
- Geospatial Survey Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Geospatial Mapping and Science Specialist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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Work
You may be able to start as a trainee cartographic or GIS technician and work your way up through training and promotion.
Employers may want you to have:
- an apprenticeship in geospatial surveying or similar field
- A levels in geography, mathematics or computing
- a qualification equivalent to A level standard, for example a diploma in applied science
Other Routes
You can apply to become a geographic technician with the Army, or join the Royal Air Force and train as an aviation data analyst (air cartographer).
At the end of your service, you could use your experience to find work in commercial cartography and mapping.
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Career tips
You can find opportunities to work as a cartographer in the public and private sector with:
- Ordnance Survey
- local and national government departments
- transport companies
- mapping and publishing companies
- surveying and energy companies
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the British Cartographic Society for networking, information resources and career development support.
Further information
You can find out more about a career in cartography from: