In the Air Force:
Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst; Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst Craftsman, Spanish; Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst Journeyman, Spanish; Bomber/Special Electronic Warfare and Radar Surveillance Integrated Avionics Apprentice, E-8; Bomber/Special Electronic Warfare and Radar Surveillance Integrated Avionics Journeyman, E-3 Radar Surveillance; Cyber Intelligence; Geospatial Intelligence Helper, Imagery Analyst; Sensor Operator Craftsman, MQ-9; Sensor Operator Superintendent, MQ-9; Space Operations, Trainer
In the Army:
AVENGER Crewmember (USAR/NG only); Air and Missile Defense (AMD) Crewmember; Air and Missile Defense (AMD) Systems Technician; Construction Engineering Technician; Geospatial Engineer; Geospatial Engineering Technician; Geospatial Intelligence Imagery Technician; Joint Fire Support Specialist; Space Operations; Special Forces Engineer Sergeant
In the Marine Corps:
Counterintelligence/Human Intelligence (CI/HUMINT) Specialist; Engineer Assistant; Field Artillery Fire Controlman; Field Artillery Sensor Support Marine; Geographic Intelligence Specialist; Imagery Analysis Specialist; Intelligence Specialist; Space Operations Officer; Target Mensuration Analyst
In the Navy:
Advanced Strike and Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) Mensuration Analyst; Conversion NEC EA Engineering Aid Basic; Engineering Aid; Engineering Aide; Geospatial Intelligence Analyst; Geospatial-Imagery Interpreter; Intelligence Specialist; Navigation and Plotting Specialist; Space Projects Technologist; Strike Warfare Intelligence Analyst; U.S. Navy (USN) Targeting Specialist
Mapmakers of the past may have labelled unknown territory “Here be dragons”… but today’s mapmakers rely on detailed measurements from satellite imagery to describe even those areas hidden from human eyes. Cartographers and photogrammetrists are the technologically-skilled professionals who collect and interpret geographic information to create maps. While they share many characteristics, the two fields differ in the products of their work: cartographers design accessible maps for general use, while photogrammetrists create specialized maps of the Earth’s surface features. They obtain geographic data from a variety of sources, including aerial cameras, satellites, and lasers attached to drones, planes, or cars. Some maps require gathering data about a population, including demographics or population density. Maps may sometimes be made for a particular purpose, such as regional or education planning, or emergency response. Although cartographers and photogrammetrists spend much of their time in offices, certain jobs require travel to the areas being mapped. Most work in architectural and engineering firms, local government, or technical consulting services. Full time, normal business hours are typical, though those who do fieldwork may have longer workdays. A bachelor’s degree in cartography, geography, geomatics, or surveying is the most common path of entry into this field. Courses in computer programming, engineering, math, and GIS technology are helpful. Some states require cartographers and photogrammetrists to be licensed.
What they do:
Research, study, and prepare maps and other spatial data in digital or graphic form for one or more purposes, such as legal, social, political, educational, and design purposes. May work with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). May design and evaluate algorithms, data structures, and user interfaces for GIS and mapping systems. May collect, analyze, and interpret geographic information provided by geodetic surveys, aerial photographs, and satellite data.
On the job, you would:
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.
Math and Science
geography
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Engineering and Technology
computers and electronics
design
Arts and Humanities
English language
Basic Skills
reading work related information
thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Verbal
read and understand what is written
listen and understand what people say
Ideas and Logic
make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
use rules to solve problems
Visual Understanding
see hidden patterns
quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things
People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.