Mapping Scientist Overview

Required Education and Training To Become a Mapping Scientist

Best Schools to become a Mapping Scientist in U.S. 2024

Pennsylvania State University-World Campus

University Park, PA

In-State Tuition:$15,054
Out-of-State Tuition:$15,054
Admission Rate:82%
Graduation Rate:36%
Total Enrollment:13,979

University of Washington-Seattle Campus

Seattle, WA

In-State Tuition:$11,189
Out-of-State Tuition:$39,687
Admission Rate:48%
Graduation Rate:84%
Total Enrollment:52,319

Oregon State University

Corvallis, OR

In-State Tuition:$10,425
Out-of-State Tuition:$31,200
Admission Rate:83%
Graduation Rate:70%
Total Enrollment:34,292

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL

In-State Tuition:$4,477
Out-of-State Tuition:$25,694
Admission Rate:23%
Graduation Rate:90%
Total Enrollment:55,211

Arizona State University Digital Immersion

Scottsdale, AZ

In-State Tuition:$10,978
Out-of-State Tuition:$13,248
Admission Rate:64%
Graduation Rate:52%
Total Enrollment:62,551

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA

In-State Tuition:$63,468
Out-of-State Tuition:$63,468
Admission Rate:12%
Graduation Rate:92%
Total Enrollment:48,945
Mapping Scientist Job Description:
  • 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.

Required Skills and Competencies To Become a Mapping Scientist

Job Duties for Mapping Scientists

  • 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.

Technologies and Skills Used by Mapping Scientists

Geographic information system

  • ESRI ArcGIS software
  • Geographic information system GIS software

Map creation software

  • Mapping software
  • Precision analytical aerotriangulation pugging software

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

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

Current Job Market and Opportunites for a Mapping Scientist

Additional Resources To Help You Become a Mapping Scientist

FAQs About Becoming a Mapping Scientist