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Boston Career Explorer

Architecture and Engineering

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

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.

Also called: Aerial Photogrammetrist, Cartographer, Cartographic Designer, Digital Cartographer, Mapper, Photogrammetric Technician

Median pay in Greater Boston
$90,910
$43.71/hr
Jobs in Greater Boston
130
Massachusetts 2024–2034
+4.8%
10 openings a year
Typical U.S. entry requirement
Bachelor's degree

Greater Boston: Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro area, May 2025. Growth and openings: Massachusetts statewide projection.

Pay range in Greater Boston

Yearly pay in Greater Boston by percentile
10th25thMedian75th90th
$70,720$81,480$90,910$112,120$162,740

10% of workers earn less than the first figure and 10% earn more than the last.

What you’d do

  • 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.

AI and this job

AI exposure: how much of this job’s work AI tools can do or help with, based on national research. It is not a forecast of job loss.

Moderate exposure66 of 100

The index averages three national research measures, each shown as a percentile of all jobs:

  • AIOE 66
  • Language-model AIOE 58
  • GPTs-are-GPTs 74

Observed AI use today: Some (Anthropic Economic Index)

Cartographers have moderate AI exposure, and some AI use is already seen. Tools can help with compiling data, tracing features from aerial images, and preparing map drafts. People still check final maps for accuracy and research legal records to settle property boundaries. Massachusetts is projected to see modest job growth.

Likely to change

  • Compiling aerial and survey data into maps
  • Tracing features and drafting map layers

Still relies on people

  • Checking final maps for accuracy and completeness
  • Researching legal records to set boundaries

Written with AI from the data on this page. Check with a career coach before making a decision.

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Training near Boston

College and school programs in the Boston metro area that lead to this job, with 2023-24 completions (IPEDS).

3 programs near Boston (plus 1 graduate)

Related occupations

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