Mapping Technician

Other Titles

Aerotriangulation Specialist, CAD Technician (Computer Aided Design Technician), Geospatial Analyst, Mapping Editor, Photogrammetric Compilation Specialist, Photogrammetric Stereo Compiler, Photogrammetric Technician, Stereoplotter Operator, Tax Map Technician

Calculate mapmaking information from field notes, and draw and verify accuracy of topographical maps. Mapping Technicians are responsible for gathering relevant geographical data to create maps of different regions. Using this data, such technicians also draw topographical maps. In this role, they work alongside surveyors, cartographers, and other professionals. Their job is to ensure that the all the layers of a map contain accurate data. They also update the relevant databases with new topographical data. A part of their job is to display various features on a map such as water bodies and regional boundaries. They may also identify significantly civil, military or other facilities on the map.

Check all layers of maps to ensure accuracy, identifying and marking errors and making corrections.

Design or develop information databases that include geographic or topographic data.

Monitor mapping work or the updating of maps to ensure accuracy, inclusion of new or changed information, or compliance with rules and regulations.

Produce or update overlay maps to show information boundaries, water locations, or topographic features on various base maps or at different scales.

Determine scales, line sizes, or colors to be used for hard copies of computerized maps, using plotters.

Identify and compile database information to create requested maps.

Analyze aerial photographs to detect and interpret significant military, industrial, resource, or topographical data.

Enter Global Positioning System (GPS) data, legal deeds, field notes, or land survey reports into geographic information system (GIS) workstations so that information can be transformed into graphic land descriptions, such as maps or drawings.

Research and combine existing property information to describe property boundaries in relation to adjacent properties, taking into account parcel splits, combinations, or land boundary adjustments.

Calculate latitudes, longitudes, angles, areas, or other information for mapmaking, using survey field notes or reference tables.

Compare topographical features or contour lines with images from aerial photographs, old maps, or other reference materials to verify the accuracy of their identification.

Trace contours or topographic details to generate maps that denote specific land or property locations or geographic attributes.

Research resources such as survey maps or legal descriptions to verify property lines or to obtain information needed for mapping.

Trim, align, and join prints to form photographic mosaics, maintaining scaled distances between reference points.

Answer questions and provide information to the public or to staff members regarding assessment maps, surveys, boundaries, easements, property ownership, roads, zoning, or similar matters.

Compute and measure scaled distances between reference points to establish relative positions of adjoining prints and enable the creation of photographic mosaics.

Train staff members in duties such as tax mapping, the use of computerized mapping equipment, or the interpretation of source documents.

Redraw or correct maps, such as revising parcel maps, to reflect tax code area changes, using information from official records or surveys.

Produce presentations of surface or mineral ownership layers by interpreting legal survey plans.

Identify, research, and resolve anomalies in legal land descriptions, referring issues to title or survey experts, as appropriate.

Create survey description pages or historical records related to mapping activities or specifications of section plats.

Lay out and match aerial photographs in sequences in which they were taken and identify any areas missing from photographs.

Complete detailed source and method notes describing the location of routine or complex land parcels.

Supervise or coordinate activities of workers engaged in plotting data, drafting maps, or producing blueprints, photostats, or photographs.

Form three-dimensional images of aerial photographs taken from different locations, using mathematical techniques and plotting instruments.

Reading Comprehension→ Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Mathematics→ Using mathematics to solve problems.

Active Learning→ Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Critical Thinking→ Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Speaking→ Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Active Listening→ Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Complex Problem Solving→ Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Writing→ Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Coordination→ Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Instructing→ Teaching others how to do something.

Judgment and Decision Making→ Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Learning Strategies→ Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Monitoring→ Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Time Management→ Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Interacting With Computers→ Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Documenting/Recording Information→ Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Getting Information→ Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates→ Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Analyzing Data or Information→ Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Processing Information→ Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge→ Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems→ Analyzing 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.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events→ Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work→ Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment→ Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others→ Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization→ Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Scheduling Work and Activities→ Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Evaluate designs or specifications to ensure quality.

Develop software or computer applications.

Monitor processes for compliance with standards.

Create maps.

Gather physical survey data.

Create graphical representations of structures or landscapes.

Explain project details to the general public.

Calculate geographic positions from survey data.

Train personnel on proper operational procedures.

Explain engineering drawings, specifications, or other technical information.

Document technical design details.

Supervise engineering or other technical personnel.

Near Vision→ The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Written Comprehension→ The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Mathematical Reasoning→ The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.

Problem Sensitivity→ The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

Deductive Reasoning→ The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Information Ordering→ The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g. , patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

Oral Comprehension→ The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Oral Expression→ The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Finger Dexterity→ The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

Far Vision→ The ability to see details at a distance.

Flexibility of Closure→ The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

Inductive Reasoning→ The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

Speech Recognition→ The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

Category Flexibility→ The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

Selective Attention→ The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

Speech Clarity→ The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

Visual Color Discrimination→ The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.

Visualization→ The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

Written Expression→ The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

Control Precision→ The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

Number Facility→ The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.

Perceptual Speed→ The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.

Computers and Electronics→ Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Geography→ Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.

Mathematics→ Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Language→ Knowledge of the structure and content of a language - English, French, Swahili et cetera - including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Engineering and Technology→ Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Design→ Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Customer and Personal Service→ Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Analytical or scientific software -- Digital elevation model DEM software; ESRI ArcGIS (analytical or scientific feature; ESRI ArcGIS Spatial Analyst; ESRI ArcToolboxESRI ArcToolbox; PCI Geomatics software; Trimble GPS Pathfinder

Application server software -- e.g., ESRI ArcSDE

Categorization or classification software -- e.g., PCI Geomatics eCognition

Computer aided design CAD software -- e.g., Autodesk AutoCAD Civil D; Autodesk d Studio Viz; Autodesk AutoCAD Blue Sky; Autodesk AutoCAD Civil D; Autodesk AutoCAD MAPD; Autodesk Land Desktop; D Nature LLC Visual Nature Studio; Bentley MicroStation; Carlson SurvCADD

Database user interface and query software -- Database software; Structured query language SQL; Microsoft Access; ESRI Personal Geodatabase; ESRI ArcCatalog; ESRI ArcEditor; Trimble TerraSync

Desktop publishing software -- e.g., Adobe Systems Adobe InDesign; Adobe Systems Adobe FrameMaker; QuarkXPress; Microsoft Publisher; Scribus

Development environment software -- e.g., Microsoft Visual Basic; Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBA; Microsoft Visual Basic Scripting Edition VBScript

Graphics or photo imaging software -- e.g., Graphics software; Adobe Systems Adobe Freehand; Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator; Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop; Microsoft Visio; Bentley GeoPak Bridge

Internet browser software -- e.g., Apple Safari; Microsoft Windows Explorer; Google Chrome; Mozilla Firefox

Map creation software -- Mapping software; Geographic information system GIS software; ESRI ArcGIS software; ESRI ArcIMS; ESRI ArcInfo; ESRI ArcView; ESRI Maplex; ESRI MapObjects; MapInfo; Hexagon Intergraph; Hexagon Geospatial Imagine Photogrammetry

Office suite software -- e.g., Corel WordPerfect Office; Microsoft Office; Google Workspace

Presentation software -- e.g., Google Slides; Corel Presentations; Microsoft PowerPoint

Project management software -- e.g., Confluence; Sapama Projects; Sciforma PPM solution; Xero Projects; Microsoft Project; Easy Projects; Microsoft SharePoint; Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management

Spreadsheet software -- e.g., Corel Quattro Pro; Microsoft Excel; Google Sheets

Web platform development software software -- e.g., Dynamic hypertext markup language DHTML; Extensible HyperText Markup Language XHTML; Backbone.js; Hypertext markup language HTML; Google AngularJS; JavaScript; Microsoft ASP.NET

Word processing software -- e.g., Corel Wordperfect; Microsoft Word; Google Docs; Adobe Systems Adobe Writer

Compasses→ Drafting compasses

Desktop computers

Digital cameras

Drafting kits or sets→ Drafting kits

Global positioning system GPS receiver→ Global positioning system GPS receivers

Laser printers

Notebook computers

Personal computers→ Pocket personal computers PC

Plotter printers→ Plotters

Protractors

Scales→ Engineering scales

Scanners→ Digitizers

T squares→ T-squares

Tablet computers

Templates→ Drafting templates

Triangles

Conventional→ Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Realistic→ Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Attention to Detail→ Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Dependability→ Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Cooperation→ Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Independence→ Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.

Analytical Thinking→ Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.

Achievement/Effort→ Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.

Integrity→ Job requires being honest and ethical.

Persistence→ Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.

Stress Tolerance→ Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

Adaptability/Flexibility→ Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.

Initiative→ Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Innovation→ Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.

Concern for Others→ Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.

Leadership→ Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.

Self Control→ Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

Independence→ Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

Support→ Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

Working Conditions→ Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.